Separate Diverse Device Deactivated By Timer Patents (Class 340/309.9)
  • Patent number: 11942835
    Abstract: This invention discloses a wireless digital remote control inverter of AC motor. The wireless digital remote control inverter of AC motor comprises a control circuit module. The control circuit module includes a controller as a main processor and is connected to the wireless transmission module. Users can use the wireless transmission module which comprises multiple wireless communication protocols and the handheld device for information transmission, operation monitoring and control to achieve the purpose of wireless remote control of the wireless digital remote control AC motor inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Inventor: Cheng-Chung Sui
  • Patent number: 11700681
    Abstract: A control module for a lighting fixture may include an input circuit (e.g., a wireless communication circuit) that may be susceptible to noise generating by a noise-generating source (e.g., a lighting control device in the lighting fixture). The control circuit may execute a self-test procedure to determine if the magnitude of the noise is acceptable or unacceptable for normal operation of the control module. During the self-test procedure, the control circuit may measure a noise level at a connection of the input circuit and determine if the noise level causes the self-test procedure to fail. The control circuit may control the lighting load to multiple intensities, measure noise levels of the output signal at each intensity, and process the noise levels to determine if the test has passed or failed. The control circuit may illuminate a visual indicator to provide an indication that the self-test procedure has failed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Jordan H. Crafts, Vidur Garg, Kevin L. Gascho, Alexander F. Mosolgo, Dragan Veskovic, Sean R. Pearson
  • Patent number: 9778904
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of managing shut down of a motor vehicle (100) comprising the steps of determining (S207) by means of a computing device that it is required to shut down the vehicle and, responsive to the determination that it is required to shut down the vehicle (PM=1), forcing shutdown of the vehicle (S212) by means of the computing device after a prescribed time period has elapsed (S211) if the motor vehicle has not shut down within the prescribed time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventor: Kevin Talbot
  • Patent number: 9268137
    Abstract: A method, electronic device and user-wearable device for improving user-interaction with an electronic device whose display periodically transitions into a sleep state due to perceived non-viewing of the electronic device. A processor initiates a sleep state timer that, upon expiration, triggers the display to transition from an active state to a sleep state. The processor determines whether the sleep state timer has less than a time remaining threshold before the timer expires. In response to determining that the sleep state timer has less than the threshold time remaining, the processor determines whether the display is being actively viewed by a user-wearable device. The processor enables the display to transition to the sleep state at expiration of the sleep state timer in response to determining that the display is not being actively viewed. The processor resets the sleep state timer in response to determining that the display is being actively viewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Alex G. Goncalves
  • Patent number: 8970353
    Abstract: Presenting comparative timing data to the audience of a sports or other competition multiple within an event, where timing or scoring data is stored during each heat, compared between heats, and displayed. Timing data includes lap times, split times, or other timing information. Timing data from each heat can also be compared with historical timing records such as Olympic, NCAA, or other records. A computing device coupled to timing equipment, storage, and a display operate to gather and store timing data from each heat, compare the timing data to generate comparative timing data, and present the comparative timing data to attendees. A software application running on the computing device allows a user to select particular timing data to compare with the current event timing data. Video and biographical information about a given competitor in the event can also be presented to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: John S. Lapides
  • Patent number: 8754755
    Abstract: Presenting comparative timing data to the audience of a sports or other competition multiple within an event, where timing or scoring data is stored during each heat, compared between heats, and displayed. Timing data includes lap times, split times, or other timing information. Timing data from each heat can also be compared with historical timing records such as Olympic, NCAA, or other records. A computing device coupled to timing equipment, storage, and a display operate to gather and store timing data from each heat, compare the timing data to generate comparative timing data, and present the comparative timing data to attendees. A software application running on the computing device allows a user to select particular timing data to compare with the current event timing data. Video and biographical information about a given competitor in the event can also be presented to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: John S. Lapides
  • Patent number: 8754773
    Abstract: The present invention is a thermally activated electrical switch for use in simulating human activity. The invention is features dual heat sources enclosed in a thermally isolated chamber within the invention. Since the activation of the switch is dependent upon the ambient temperature of the environment, it opens and closes at sufficiently random intervals to simulate human activity. Other embodiments include the use of photoelectric sensors and timers to further vary timing of the switch actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Lee Von Gunten
  • Patent number: 8681019
    Abstract: A method for electronic communications comprises transmitting an electronic text message from a sender to a receiver, starting a sender timer when the text message is transmitted that monitors an initial time period to accept a response message from the receiver, and starting a receiver timer when the text message is received that monitors an initial time period to respond. If a STANDBY message is selected after the text message is received, an automatic timing delay is initiated to send the STANDBY message. The STANDBY message is transmitted when the automatic timing delay has reached a predetermined timing threshold. The receiver timer is restarted when the STANDBY message is transmitted to give the receiver an additional time period to respond. The sender timer is restarted when the STANDBY message is received to give the sender an additional time period to accept a response message from the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. McGuffin
  • Patent number: 8571586
    Abstract: A method of communication comprises receiving a text message, starting a response timer, and monitoring transmission of a response message. If the response message has not been transmitted, it is determined whether the response timer has reached a timing threshold. If not, monitoring for transmission of the response message continues. If the response timer reaches the timing threshold without the response message being sent, it is determined whether an automatic standby message mode is enabled. If the automatic standby message mode is enabled, a STANDBY message is automatically transmitted and the response timer is restarted. Monitoring for response message transmission then continues. If a response message has not been transmitted, it is determined whether the response timer expired. If response timer has not expired, then monitoring response message transmission continues. If the response timer has expired without the response message being sent, transmission of subsequent response messages is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. McGuffin, Tom Judd
  • Publication number: 20130271272
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for a pre-deactivation grace period. In operation, a deactivation request is detected for a deactivation event. Further, the commencement of the deactivation event is delayed for a predetermined time period, in response to the deactivation request. Additionally, the deactivation event is commenced, after the predetermined time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Rajkaran Singh Dhesi, Simon Hunt, Paul Martin Parke
  • Patent number: 8525550
    Abstract: A circuit implementing multiplexer, storage, and repeater functions is disclosed. The circuit includes first and second input stages having first and second data inputs, respectively. An output stage is configured to drive an output signal. The first input stage is configured to activate the output stage responsive to a first condition, while the second input stage is configured to activate the output stage responsive to a second condition. An intermediate stage is configured to deactivate the output stage at a first delay time subsequent to one of the first or second input stages activating the output stage. The repeater circuit also includes a storage element configured to store a state of the output signal, and further configured to cause the output node to be held at the state of the output signal subsequent to deactivation of the output stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Robert P. Masleid, Anand Dixit
  • Patent number: 8456288
    Abstract: A communication device locks input of the communication device and executes an alarm if a current time reaches a set alarm time. When the alarm is executed, an unlock input set is generated for unlocking the input and an alarm disable button set is generated for disabling the alarm. If an unlock input set is the same as the generated unlock keypad set, the locked input is unlocking. If the alarm disable button set input by the user is the same as the generated alarm disable button set, the communication device disables the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Yao-Yu Yang
  • Patent number: 8378792
    Abstract: An electronic information device of the present invention includes: two main body members that are coupled to each other to be capable of transitioning from a first state to a second state; a detecting section that detects whether the two main body members are in either state of the first state or the second state; a time counting section that counts a first time that is required for the two main body members to transition from the first state to the second state; and a function restricting section that restricts at least one function operation in accordance with the first time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8330588
    Abstract: A repeater circuit is disclosed. The repeater circuit includes an input circuit coupled to receive a data input signal and a clock signal, and an output circuit configured to, when activated, drive an output signal on an output node. The input circuit is further configured to activate the output circuit in order to initiate a logical transition of the data output signal. A deactivation circuit is configured to deactivate the output circuit at a delay subsequent to activation. A latch is coupled to the output circuit and it is configured to change a latch output state responsive to activation of the output circuit. The latch is configured to hold a state of the output node subsequent to deactivation of the output circuit. The input circuit is configured to activate the output circuit dependent on the clock signal. The deactivation circuit is configured to deactivate the output circuit independent of the clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventors: Anand Dixit, Robert P. Maisleid
  • Patent number: 8242922
    Abstract: A reminder device includes a controller, a switch, and an annunciator. When a user closes the switch, the controller turns on the annunciator for a fixed period of time. The annunciator may be a light source such as a flashing LED or an audio indicator. The signal from the annunciator communicates to a user that a particular task, such as taking a pill or locking a car door, has been completed and need not be further verified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Bitak Ahi Varasteh
  • Patent number: 8102246
    Abstract: A power reset module may reset an automatic shut-off module of a target device by momentarily disrupting power to the automatic shut-off module at a determined interval and automatically restoring power after a time period of up to two minutes. In multiple embodiments, the power reset module comprises an activation switch with an activation switch output coupled to a frequency module. The frequency module may output a frequency module signal on a determined interval via a frequency module output coupled with a reset module. The reset module momentarily transitions a reset switch to a reset state periodically at the determined interval for up to two minutes prior to automatically transitioning the reset switch to a non-reset state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Grover C. Davidson, II
  • Publication number: 20110254669
    Abstract: A repeater circuit is disclosed. The repeater circuit includes an input circuit coupled to receive a data input signal and a clock signal, and an output circuit configured to, when activated, drive an output signal on an output node. The input circuit is further configured to activate the output circuit in order to initiate a logical transition of the data output signal. A deactivation circuit is configured to deactivate the output circuit at a delay subsequent to activation. A latch is coupled the output circuit and it is configured to change a latch output state responsive to activation of the output circuit. The latch is configured to hold a state the output node subsequent to deactivation of the output circuit. The input circuit is configured to activate the output circuit dependent on the clock signal. The deactivation circuit is configured to deactivate the output circuit independent of the clock signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Anand Dixit, Robert P. Masleid
  • Publication number: 20110205036
    Abstract: This invention relates to a power-saving wireless input device. A pulse-width-modulation unit is introduced to generate a pulse-width modulator signal for controlling a light-source control unit to produce a driving signal. The driving signal is of the same duty cycle as that of the pulse-width-modulation signal so as to control the on/off of an indicator light. Furthermore, the invention introduces a timer unit to count a length of a time period between receipts of two subsequent input signals. When the length of the time period exceeds a predetermined threshold, a wireless input device is configured to be operating in a hibernation mode. Still further, an optical unit using a beam-splitting technology is introduced so that only one luminescent component may be necessary to provide light beams for the indicator lights of the wireless input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Allen KU
  • Patent number: 7898401
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at allowing a vehicle to idle for a predetermined amount of time before shutdown. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that accepts input from the vehicle operator to initiate a countdown to vehicle shutdown. When the input is received, a countdown is initiated that is regularly updated to reflect the passage of time. During the countdown, a vehicle ignition bus is maintained in an active state and a countdown value that reflects the time remaining before shutdown is presented on a graphical display. Then, in response to expiration of the countdown, the method allows the vehicle ignition bus to transition into an inactive state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Martin Jay Caspe-Detzer, Andrew Joseph Ressa, Phu Vi Tran, Ian David O'Connor, John William Espinosa, Paul Stephen Crowe
  • Publication number: 20110032084
    Abstract: An electronic information device of the present invention includes: two main body members that are coupled to each other to be capable of transitioning from a first state to a second state; a detecting section that detects whether the two main body members are in either state of the first state or the second state; a time counting section that counts a first time that is required for the two main body members to transition from the first state to the second state; and a function restricting section that restricts at least one function operation in accordance with the first time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7868743
    Abstract: An alarm that uses a floor situated apparatus so that when the alarm goes off, the user must place their feet on the apparatus for a predetermined period of time to deactivate the alarm. The alarm sequence optionally provides that the apparatus cover may be translucent and/or transparent with a plurality of illuminable elements thereunder providing an alarm visual display. Also provided is a remote control for actuating a projected display of time onto the wall. The apparatus is also a scale for displaying the user's weight. The weight requirement for deactivating the alarm can extend from placing the feet on the apparatus while still in bed or require the user to stand on the apparatus for said period of time. Further provided for is the removal of the alarm clock portion from the floor apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Chester Brown
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100277292
    Abstract: A method of communication comprises receiving a text message, starting a response timer, and monitoring transmission of a response message. If the response message has not been transmitted, it is determined whether the response timer has reached a timing threshold. If not, monitoring for transmission of the response message continues. If the response timer reaches the timing threshold without the response message being sent, it is determined whether an automatic standby message mode is enabled. If the automatic standby message mode is enabled, a STANDBY message is automatically transmitted and the response timer is restarted. Monitoring for response message transmission then continues. If a response message has not been transmitted, it is determined whether the response timer expired. If response timer has not expired, then monitoring response message transmission continues. If the response timer has expired without the response message being sent, transmission of subsequent response messages is disabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. McGuffin, Tom Judd
  • Patent number: 7659807
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for processing multimedia broadcast-related events in a portable terminal, and include a memory for storing character UI images according to multimedia broadcast-related events, an event collection section for collecting the multimedia broadcast-related events generated in the portable terminal and for generating event messages for discriminating the generated multimedia broadcast-related events, an agent control section including a plurality of specialists for processing the multimedia broadcast-related events, the agent control section determining specialists corresponding to the event messages, selecting and outputting character UI IDs corresponding to the multimedia broadcast-related events of the determined specialist, and processing feedback information on the corresponding events according to the feedback information of a user, and an agent expression section for outputting character images and texts which correspond to the multimedia broadcast-related events and the fe
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Ho Kim, Hyun-Ji Kim, Jeong-Wook Seo
  • Publication number: 20090303020
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a data tag device (100) which initially operates in an active mode where the tag occasionally transmits an unsolicited beacon (412). While operating, an expiration event occurs (512, 514) which causes the tag to disable a battery (110), preventing subsequent operation in an active mode, but may continue operating in a passive mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: KENNETH L. GREENLEE, CHRISTIAN L. HUNT, STEVEN M. MILLER, ANNE I. RYAN
  • Publication number: 20090278479
    Abstract: A programmable lighting control system integrates time-based, sensor-based, and manual control of lighting and other loads. The system includes one or more groups of controlled lighting areas, which may be, for example, floors of a building. Each group may have one or more lighting zones, which may be, for example, individual rooms or offices on a building floor. Each lighting zone includes occupancy and/or daylight sensors that may be wirelessly coupled to a gateway of the group. Each gateway is coupled to a network, such as, for example, a local area network (LAN). Control software, residing on a computer (e.g., a personal computer or a server) coupled to the network and accessible via the network, remotely communicates with and controls the lighting zones either individually, groupwise, or globally. Each lighting zone can also be locally controlled at the gateway and can function independently of the control software and the gateway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: BRIAN P. PLATNER, William J. Fassbender, Ryan A. Zaveruha, Frank J. Ramirez, Phillip S. Gross, Raymond A. Frigon
  • Publication number: 20090237241
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for powering a device, such as a data recorder or other device, according to an adjustable schedule. One example of the apparatus includes a programmable timer having an alarm output, a power regulator having an enable input coupled to the alarm output, a controller coupled to the power regulator and to the programmable timer, the controller being configured to receive operating power from the power regulator, and a powered device coupled to the power regulator and configured to receive power from the power regulator. The regulator has an operating state in which the operating power is provided to the powered device and an idle state in which the operating power is not provided to the powered device. The regulator is configured to be activated into the operating state by activation of the alarm output and deactivated into the idle state by deactivation of the alarm output, under the control of the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: WILDLIFE ACOUSTICS, INC.
    Inventor: Ian Agranat
  • Patent number: 7586399
    Abstract: A method of setting a time alarm is disclosed in which a user can set a time alarm with reference to all cities around the world as well as a city to which the user is located. The present invention includes receiving a city selection and an alarm time, and outputting an alarm signal if the received alarm time corresponds with a current time of the received city.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sung Bum Joo
  • Patent number: 7532105
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for implementing an alarm or morning call function in a DMB terminal, including operating a timer to check time information, setting information necessary to implement the alarm or morning call function, including a time preset to output a reserved DMB program and information on the DMB program which will be outputted at the preset time, implementing a DMB function at a time earlier than the preset time by a predetermined time for receiving the reserved DMB program with implementation of the DMB function and outputting the DMB program at the preset time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-Sik Cho, Young-Jip Kim, Tae-Soo Lee, Sun-Mi Kim
  • Publication number: 20090102616
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling access to a multi-purpose entertainment console are disclosed. The methods and systems allow a first user to configure the amount of time per time interval a console is available for other users to access the entertainment features of the console. In one embodiment, when a timer is activated, the timer counts down as the console is used. The console provides a series of notifications that the timer is running low and a notification when time has expired. The user may then turn off the console or ask the first user to add more time. In another embodiment, the timer can be configured with daily or weekly limits. In further embodiments, the timer and system clock may be protected by a security code to prevent tampering. In a further embodiment, the system clock can be referenced for the automatic daily/weekly time allocation to be allocated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Shane Stone, Christopher Pirich, James N. Helm
  • Patent number: 7064671
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for collecting sensor data in a pressure regulator system including a controller and a plurality of sensors. The controller and each of the individual sensors are activated as required to collect sensor data during a sampling period thereby reducing the amount of power consumed by the pressure regulator system. Further power conservation measures are implemented by using a battery sensor to monitor the capacity of the pressure regulator battery and placing the pressure regulator in reduced power consumption operating modes as the capacity of the battery is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Vanderah, Paul R. Adams, David E. Woolums, Jon B. Milliken
  • Patent number: 6998961
    Abstract: The subject device is an alarm mechanism having a voice message or other sound input wherein the mechanism incorporates a taping mechanism to receive and store voice or other audio sounds to be subsequently or simultaneously projected audibly as a signal to awaken the user of the alarm at a designated time comprising generally a caller mode coupled to a recording controller to activate an audio recorder which is in turn activated by a pre-set timer to project the recorded sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Shirley Ann Stihler
  • Patent number: 6985071
    Abstract: An electronic unit that is permitted to undergo operation control on the basis of a timer reservation set by a user includes a setting section for setting a time designated by the user, an operation control section for controlling the operation of the electronic unit in accordance with time set by the setting section, a display section for displaying an operation portion for operating the electronic unit, a display control section such that when the electronic unit is operative in accordance with the operation control section, it controls the display section so that a specific display is carried out on the display section, and a designation detecting section for detecting a designation of the user with respect to the specific display, whereby when a designation of the user is detected by the designation detecting section, the operation control section conducts a control to neglect the time set by the setting section and to continue the operation of the electronic unit when the designation of the user is detec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Izuru Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6856242
    Abstract: An automatic siren silencing device for false alarms, for use in an alarm system having a siren driver which powers a siren. A microcomputer monitors pulse signal characteristics of the siren driver, including duration of pulses and number of pulses, and compares these characteristics with predetermined pulse signal characteristics stored in a memory. A relay coil is energized by the microcomputer, controlling a relay switch which disconnects the siren from the siren driver when the pulse signal characteristics are indicative of a false alarm thereby silencing the siren. A user means is provided to adjust the predetermined pulse signal characteristics. Power to the microcomputer is provided by a capacitor, charged by the signal of the siren driver, whereby no battery or dedicated external power supply input is required. Indicator lights and a piezo element inform a user of siren silencing, and indicate the types of false alarms detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Spiral Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert J. Trent
  • Patent number: 6721685
    Abstract: A maintenance monitor mechanism 300 comprises of a maintenance control section 310 that controls and carries out remote maintenance of an apparatus-to-be-maintained, a maintenance history storage unit 320 that records maintenance history, and a display unit 350. The maintenance control section 310 acquires the date and time of the maintenance last carried out from the maintenance history storage unit 320 and displays “Maintenance Not Problematic” if the difference between the last maintenance date and time and the present date and time does not exceed a required maintenance interval or displays “Maintenance Problematic” if the difference exceeds the interval. With said arrangement, it is possible to provide a remote maintenance system that informs the personnel in charge as to whether maintenance has been carried out surely and correctly and to definitely judge whether the apparatus is really in a usable condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryuichiro Kodama
  • Patent number: 6710703
    Abstract: A signal device is attachable to a medication container to provide periodic signals of times for a user to take medication. The device has its electronic circuitry enclosed in a casing compressible by the user to activate the circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Max Group Corporation
    Inventor: Philip C. Huang