Audible Signals (e.g., Bell Rings Softly First And Then Loudly) Patents (Class 340/328)
  • Patent number: 11790743
    Abstract: An outdoor camera integrated into an alarm system for property monitoring, configured to monitor a property. The alarm system can have a base station that communicates with all the components of the alarm system, such as an outdoor camera, which can be equipped with an imaging sensor and software capabilities to conduct analysis on data collected by the outdoor camera to determine information about a human or non-human visitor at the property. The outdoor camera provides information about detected events at the property to the base station, where the data can be used to take appropriate action at the property and communicate with either the user or a monitoring service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: SimpliSafe, Inc.
    Inventor: Rahul Subramany
  • Patent number: 11689435
    Abstract: An accurate monitoring system for a multi-tenant system monitors each data stream of the multi-tenant system and determines the identity of the tenant using each of the data streams, and the application that the tenant is accessing. Aspects of each data stream are aggregated by a bucket aggregator to track and record trends for each tenant and/or each application. The aggregated data could be filtered, sorted, and reported for accurate subscription billing for each of the tenants and/or applications within a multi-tenant system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: CORENT TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Shafiullah Syed, Sethuraman Venkataraman, Jeya Anantha Prabhu
  • Patent number: 11508222
    Abstract: A doorbell system includes a power supply circuit, a smart module, a chime, a chime switch and a control module. The smart module provides a smart function. The chime switch is electrically connected between the control module, the smart module, and the power supply circuit. When the chime switch is turned on, the current flows through the chime under control of the control module. When the chime switch is turned off, the current cannot flow through the chime under control of the control module; consequently, the buzzing sound cannot be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: Tsai-Yu Yu, Hung-Chen Wu, Teng-Chieh Yang
  • Patent number: 11380173
    Abstract: A circuit is described for powering a video doorbell in signal communication with a chime that outputs audio in response to a button on the video doorbell being pressed. The circuit includes a rectifier circuit configured to: i) receive a first voltage signal generated based on a power source and ii) generate a second voltage signal based on the first voltage signal. The circuit includes a boost circuit that generates a high-voltage direct-current (DC) signal for charging a capacitor without generating a peak current that triggers a particular noise output from the chime. The circuit also includes a converter circuit that generates a low-voltage power signal based on the high-voltage DC signal and a charge stored at the capacitor. The low-voltage power signal is for powering a plurality of components of the video doorbell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventor: Seton Paul Kasmir
  • Patent number: 11308779
    Abstract: The anti-theft device for securing an electronic gadget against theft. A security sensor is attached to a rear surface of the electronic gadget. The security sensor is electrically coupled to the electronic gadget via a cable. A security software application is deployed on the electronic gadget. The security sensor is configured to transmit predefined security signal to the electronic gadget. The security application is configured to detect the predefined security signal. Responsive to detecting a security event, the security sensor stops transmitting the security signal. The security application is configured to transition the electronic gadget into an alarm state if the security application fails to receive the security signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, William Claude Chazotte, John N. Figh, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11189265
    Abstract: Systems and Methods for assisting the hearing-impaired are described. The methods rely on obtaining audio signals from the ambient environment of a hearing-impaired person. The audio signals are analyzed by a machine learning model that can classify audio signals into audio categories (e.g. Emergency, Animal Sounds) and audio types (e.g. Ambulance Siren, Dog Barking) and notify the user leveraging a mobile or wearable device. The user can configure notification preferences and view historical logs. The machine learning classifier is periodically trained externally based on labelled audio samples. Additional system features include an audio amplification option and a speech to text option for transcribing human speech to text output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventors: Ria Sinha, Rishi Amit Sinha
  • Patent number: 10720028
    Abstract: An electronic door chime can meet safety standards and be compatible with smart doorbells and IOT doorbells. Current generation smart doorbells, also called IOT doorbells, require continuous power to drive the cameras, audio interfaces, and other components within the smart doorbell. Compatibility issues with prior art doorbell systems have emerged with the smart doorbell receiving inadequate power or power that doesn't meet the smart doorbell's input specification. In some cases, a prior art doorbell system is driven to failure or to excessive temperatures when the smart doorbell continuously draws too much power. A new electronic door chime can safely power the smart doorbells while also being compatible with simple push button doorbell devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: NICOR, INC.
    Inventor: Rocklan E. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 10709330
    Abstract: An ambulatory medical telemetry device (10) is provided. This device includes at least one sensor (18) for detecting at least one physiological parameter of a patient and a housing that is securable to the patient. A circuit (50) is located in the housing for receiving and processing a signal representative of the physiological parameter from the sensor to generate recordable physiological data. An audible indicator (16) is located in the housing and operationally coupled to the circuit for generating an audio signal indicating at least one operational state of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Andrew G. Koschek
  • Patent number: 10641801
    Abstract: A ringer control device includes a power receiving unit, a detection circuit, and a control circuit. The detection circuit is coupled to the power receiving unit and outputs a detection signal. The control circuit is coupled to the detection circuit and includes a trigger unit and a control unit. The trigger unit detects a trigger event. The control unit is coupled to the detection circuit and the trigger unit, and configured to control the detection circuit and determine whether a ringer device is coupled to the power module according to the detection signal, and further determine a category of the ringer device. A control method of the ringer control device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Goldtek Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ting-Hsuan Su, Kuo-Chuan Yu, Kuang-Hui Su, Wen-Feng Yeh
  • Patent number: 10576888
    Abstract: The child seat alarm is an alarm system. The child seat alarm is configured for use with a child safety seat. The child seat alarm: a) detects when a first person occupies the child safety seat; b) monitors the location of the child safety seat; c) monitors the location of a key fob that is in the custody of a second person; d) compares the span of the distance between the key fob and the child safety seat; and, d) generates an alarm at the key fob should the span of the distance between the key fob and the child safety seat become greater than a predetermined maximum distance. The child seat alarm comprises a CSS sensor module, a fob module, a child safety seat, and a wireless communication link. The wireless communication link establishes a communication link between the CSS sensor module and the fob module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Inventor: Daniel Holman
  • Patent number: 10573153
    Abstract: The dependent location-monitoring bracelet is a jewelry item. The dependent location-monitoring bracelet is configured for use with a client. The dependent location-monitoring bracelet is worn on the wrist of a client. The dependent location-monitoring bracelet is configured for use with an appropriate authority. The dependent location-monitoring bracelet is biometrically attached to the client such that the dependent location-monitoring bracelet can only be removed from the client by the appropriate authority. The dependent location-monitoring bracelet comprises the jewelry item and an alarm circuit. The jewelry item contains the alarm circuit. The alarm circuit communicates the location of the client using SMS messages transmitted over a wireless communication link and through a commercially provided and publicly available cellular wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventors: Michelle Woodward, Aaron Woodward
  • Patent number: 10559171
    Abstract: An electronic system sharing power with doorbell includes two power contacts, an AC switch, a first AC/DC conversion circuit, a DC switch, an electronic device, and a doorbell-driving device. The first AC/DC conversion circuit receives an AC power via the power contacts and generates a DC power according to the AC power. In a normal state, the AC switch is off and the DC switch is on. Therefore, the electronic device is powered by the DC power. When the electronic device receives an enabling signal, the electronic device controls the AC switch to be on, to cause the voltage of the doorbell contacts to change from a low voltage to a high voltage. The doorbell-driving device detects the voltage of the doorbell contacts and supplies the power to a doorbell according to the detected voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: CHICONY ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jui-Ching Wu
  • Patent number: 10528638
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for disambiguating between multiple potential users that may have performed an item action (e.g., item removal or item placement) at an inventory location. For example, if there are three picking agents (users) standing near an inventory location and one of the agents removes an item (item action) from the inventory location, the example systems and processes described herein may utilize various inputs to disambiguate between the users and determine which of the potential users performed the item action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dilip Kumar, Ammar Chinoy, Sudarshan Narasimha Raghavan, Shrivatsan Vasudhevan, Jin Dong Kim
  • Patent number: 10503159
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dynamic model-based ringer profiles. The method includes receiving one or more incoming calls, and, based on the one or more incoming calls, generating one or more incoming call records. Each of the incoming call records includes an elapsed ringing time value associated with one of the incoming calls. Also, the method includes storing one or more ringer profiles. The ringer profiles are generated using the one or more incoming call records. The ringer profiles include a current ringer profile. Further, the method includes receiving a new incoming call, and, in response to receiving the new incoming call, sounding a ringtone according to the current ringer profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Shantanu Sarkar
  • Patent number: 10448443
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. A user equipment (UE) may prevent rejected attachment requests when connecting to a trusted wireless local area network (WLAN) and from a wireless wide area network (WWAN). For example, an attachment packet data network (PDN) connection may be maintained with the WWAN while connected to the trusted WLAN. In some cases, the connection used to maintain the attachment may be an internet protocol (IP) multimedia subsystem (IMS) connection. Alternatively, the UE may determine that the WLAN connection is a trusted connection and deactivate the WWAN connection. Should the WLAN become unavailable the UE may reactivate the connection with the WWAN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Juan Zhang, Ajith Tom Payyappilly, Arvind Vardarajan Santhanam, Suli Zhao, Sivaramakrishna Veerepalli
  • Patent number: 10297124
    Abstract: An interface component for insertion in a certain-sized connection box placed for another component such as a switch or other electrical mechanism. The interface component may bring in new capabilities plus maintain the capabilities of the removed component. The box need not be removed, or if the boxed is removed the structure or space encompassing the box need not be enlarged. Further, no new wiring is necessarily needed. This placement or substitution may be particularly applicable to rooms of hotels, motels, and other similar facilities. Neither time nor expense of redoing structure to hold a larger box or provide more space or wiring is needed. In many cases, there is not adequate space to add components for providing additional capabilities to a room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Philipp Roosli, Ryan M. Gardner, Ravi M. Sagar
  • Patent number: 10235193
    Abstract: Embodiments include methods, and computing systems, and computer program products for collecting performance metrics from Java virtual machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nigel V. Williams
  • Patent number: 10235863
    Abstract: A method and device for providing a reminder to a user of a mobile device are provided. The method includes receiving a request to establish a first geographical area for the mobile device for triggering a first location-based reminder, the request including a flag indicating that other sensor information is to be used to determine when to provide the first location-based reminder to the user. A location of the mobile device is monitored to identify whether the first geographical area is triggered by the mobile device crossing a first boundary of the first geographical area. After the mobile device crosses the first boundary the first location-based reminder is identified and a state of the mobile device is determined. The first location-based reminder is provided to the user based on the state of the mobile device being included in a list of trigger states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Adler, Viktor Miladinov
  • Patent number: 10217331
    Abstract: A communication device that may be removably coupled to a USB port, the device having a processor and non-volatile memory and configured to execute code, including code for receiving a wireless transmission including an alert signal from a second device, where the second device is a wireless doorbell, code for sounding an alarm via an audio or visual indicator on the communication device in response to the alert signal, code for receiving input from a user and transmitting a response signal to the second device, and code for allowing two-way audio communication between the communication device and the wireless doorbell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James Siminoff
  • Patent number: 10152878
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for testing a hazard detector that includes transmitting a test mode switching signal from a test device to the hazard detector, setting the hazard detector to a test mode, transmitting a first test mode confirmation signal from the hazard detector to a central monitoring unit, transmitting a second test mode confirmation signal from the hazard detector to the test device, processing a hazard condition detected by the hazard detector as a test event, transmitting a test result signal from the hazard detector to the central monitoring unit, the hazard detector outputting a test completion signal, and setting the hazard detector to a detection mode. The invention further provides a hazard monitoring system, a hazard detector, and a test device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: NOVAR GMBH
    Inventor: Stephan Eichler
  • Patent number: 10051323
    Abstract: A set-top-box is provided for receiving broadcast media content and processing said content for presentation on a display. A processor of the STB is configured to receive, from between a router circuit and a modem circuit, data packets sent over a local network. The data packets are sent to or from a local internet connected user device via the router as part of the local network. The processor is further configured to analyze the received data packets to determine whether they contain undesired content and, if so, to control the display to present an indicator containing at least one property of the detected undesired content. Because the STB is coupled to a display that tends to be the main display in a household, the indicator is more likely to be seen and acted on by a responsible party, thus parents will be more easily able to monitor the activity of their children when they use user devices to access the internet over a home network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Dale Llewelyn Mountain
  • Patent number: 9974371
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for supervising a baggage item using a security device comprising at least one sensor, a processor connected to said sensor, and a communication unit connected to said processor. Said method comprises the steps of monitoring (S101), by the at least one sensor, a status of a baggage item, detecting (S102), by the processor, a change in the status of the baggage item and determining (S103), based on a detected change in the status, whether a notification is to be issued, and transmitting (S104), by the communication unit, the notification to a supervision unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventors: Henning Brandes, Mikael Lars Roland Boman, Karsten George, Laura Spycher
  • Patent number: 9928706
    Abstract: A home entertainment system includes at least one media signal generating module, a microphone configured to pick up a noise signal of an environment in which the home entertainment system is located, a noise processing module configured to evaluate the noise signal picked up by the microphone, and a power control module configured to control the power provided to the at least one media signal generating module. When the noise processing module detects a predefined noise signal event in the noise signal, the power control module is configured to provide power to the at least one media signal generating module in response to the detected predefined noise signal event, and the at least one media signal generating module emits a presence media signal in response to the detected predefined noise signal event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Gerdes
  • Patent number: 9859741
    Abstract: A method for security and/or automation systems is described. In one embodiment, the method may include receiving, at a power adapter, power from a power supply, routing a first portion of the power received from the power supply to the doorbell unit, and routing a second portion of the power received from the power supply to both the device of the doorbell unit and the doorbell chime when the doorbell button is being actuated. In some cases, the power adapter is wired, via doorbell wiring, to at least one of a doorbell chime, a doorbell unit, and the power supply. In one example, the first portion of power is routed to power a device of the doorbell unit when a doorbell button of the doorbell unit is not being actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: James Beagley, Jason C. Flint, Scott Bevan
  • Patent number: 9836320
    Abstract: Embodiments include methods, and computing systems, and computer program products for collecting performance metrics from Java virtual machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nigel V. Williams
  • Patent number: 9799174
    Abstract: A power supply device sharing power of a doorbell includes two power contacts, an AC switch, an AC/DC conversion circuit, a doorbell actuator, a supply node, an enabling node, and a control node. When the AC switch is off, the AC/DC conversion circuit receives AC power through the two power contacts, generates DC power according to the AC power, and then outputs the generated DC power through the supply node to supply a post-stage circuit for operating. The doorbell actuator is configured to generate an enabling signal and outputting the generated enabling signal through the enabling node. The control node is configured to receive a control signal relative to the enabling signal, to have the AC switch turned on in response to the control signal to ring the doorbell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Liang Wei, Hsiao-Ching Hsu
  • Patent number: 9781239
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a hands free communication system comprising a first system part and a second system part, wherein the first system part comprises a first connector part and a first transceiver, and the second system part comprises a second connector part and a second transceiver, whereby the first system part and the second system part are configured to be connected in a corded mode by means of the first and second connector parts, whereby the first system part and the second system part are configured to be connected in a wireless mode by means of the first and second transceivers, wherein the hands free communication system comprises detecting means for detecting whether the first system part and the second system part are in a certain vicinity of each other, when the hands free communication system is in the wireless mode, and wherein, the hands free communication system comprises alert means to alert a user of the hands free communication system, when the detecting means detects that the first
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: GN AUDIO A/S
    Inventor: Henrik Dylmer
  • Patent number: 9773390
    Abstract: A system for generating a visual home exterior alert in response to a home alarm, typically audio, including a light switch override portion operationally connected to a light switch for controlling outside lighting, and a listening portion positioned to detect an alarm sound. Upon detection of a predetermined alarm sound, the listening portion is actuated to send an enabling signal to the light switch override portion. Upon receipt of the enabling signal, the light switch override portion sequentially energizes and deenergizes the outside lighting in a predetermined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Kevin Williams
  • Patent number: 9691239
    Abstract: Systems and methods for marking and locating objects in crowded environments, and more particularly, systems and methods that include a remote configured to communicate with a beacon having audio and visual indicators, are shown and described. One system comprises a remote including a housing, a tool extending from the housing, a movable sleeve configured to cover the tool, a first control circuit, a selection button coupled to the control circuit, a first transceiver, and a beacon including a second transceiver configured to communicate with the first transceiver, a second control circuit, an indicator electrically coupled to the second control circuit, and a latch mechanism, the tool configured to interact with the latch mechanism to securely couple the beacon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventors: Timmy Lee Fugate, Susan Lynn Fugate
  • Patent number: 9630754
    Abstract: A tamper-evident container closure device is provided. The device is securable to an open container to close the container. The closure device includes an electrically powered tamper-indicating means for indicating that the housing has been detached from the container after being secured to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventors: David M. Schmidt, Beth R. Dore
  • Patent number: 9609932
    Abstract: A luggage tracking and surveillance system uses a zipper pull attached to a conventional suitcase closure zipper and a retaining fastener attached to conventional fastening straps securing contents inside the suitcase. An observer is not aware of the specially designed zipper pull and retaining fastener because they mimic the appearance of their conventional counterparts. The external zipper pull communicates wirelessly with the retaining fastener inside the suitcase when a zipper pull touch sensor senses that the suitcase has been opened. This awakens a retainer fastener power supply and activates a recording system in the fastener to create a record of the person who opened the suitcase. The retaining fastener can also sense the presence of a human and independently activate the recording system. Recorded still pictures, video, and audio, along with location information supplied by GPS circuitry in the zipper pull and/or retaining fastener, are transmitted a remote database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: AKQYS IP, LLC
    Inventor: Felix C. Mercado
  • Patent number: 9549544
    Abstract: A motion detecting and alerting system includes at least two motion detectors adapted to detect motion and transmit transmission signals upon detecting motion, at least one alert module adapted to receive the transmission signals and indicate the motion and a wrist strap carried by the alert module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: John B. Millsap
  • Patent number: 9445171
    Abstract: A sounder for use in mobile apparatus comprising an electronic signal generator and a electroacoustic transducer to generate an audible sound, wherein the sound comprises continuous repetitions of a pre-determined section of substantially broadband sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Brigade Electronics (UK) LImited
    Inventors: Christopher Hanson-Abbott, Hubert Geoffrey Leventhall, Kelly Sands
  • Patent number: 9424732
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method comprising: associating, using a processor, an accessory with an information handling device; detecting, using a processor, a trigger event associated with the information handling device; determining, using a processor, the accessory is no longer within a predetermined proximity to the information handling device; and providing, using a processor, a notification to a user. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Xin Feng, Ethan Joshua Fricklas, Christopher Miles Osborne, Kazuo Nakada, Shinnosuke Takahashi, David Wayne Hill
  • Patent number: 9338644
    Abstract: A communication method includes the steps of transmitting, by means of a first communication apparatus, personal information to a second communication apparatus; receiving, by means of the second communication apparatus, the personal information and searching, by means of the second communication apparatus, whether or not personal information having the same content as the received personal information exists in the second communication apparatus; and notifying, by means of the second communication apparatus, the first communication apparatus of a search result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichiro Sako, Mitsuru Takehara, Toshiro Terauchi, Makoto Inoue, Motoyuki Takai, Masamichi Asukai, Katsuya Shirai, Takatoshi Nakamura, Toru Sasaki, Yuichi Sakai, Masafumi Matsuda
  • Patent number: 9269238
    Abstract: A novelty door knocker having an electronic sound effect or effects, the door knocker with mechanical arm, plate, switch or proximity sensor enabled to trigger a sound effect, and a battery-powered circuit for controlling and coordinating the acoustics with the trigger. The door knocker may be decorated with or shaped as a cartoon figure for use on a child's bedroom door, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Beverly Means
  • Publication number: 20150109111
    Abstract: A wireless door chime apparatus operates in connection with a trigger device installed at a doorway. The wireless door chime apparatus has a decorative housing, such as a vase, bowl, candle, statue, or lamp, for example. A wireless speaker unit configured to generate audible sounds is mounted to the decorative housing. The wireless door chime apparatus also has a power connection mechanism that can supply electric power to the wireless door chime apparatus. The wireless door chime apparatus produces an audible notification in response to receiving a wireless signal generated by the trigger device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Jonathan Arnold Lee, Mark Alan Zavada
  • Publication number: 20150109113
    Abstract: A doorbell system can include a doorbell and a chime. The chime can emit a notification sound in response to a visitor pressing a button of the doorbell. Electrical switches can be electrically coupled between the doorbell and the chime to control the flow of electricity to the chime. In some embodiments, the switches prevent the chime from emitting notification sounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph Frank Scalisi, Seton Paul Kasmir
  • Publication number: 20150109112
    Abstract: This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers, Yoky Matsuoka, David Sloo, Shigefumi Honjo, Scott A. McGaraghan, Michael Plitkins, Maxime Veron, Isabel Guenette
  • Publication number: 20150029009
    Abstract: A doorbell system can be used to block a first electricity that is less than a first threshold from entering an electronic chime. By blocking the first electricity from entering the electronic chime, the electronic chime is not allowed to emit a notification sound. The doorbell system can also be used to allow a second electricity that is greater than the first threshold to enter the electronic chime. By allowing the second electricity to enter the electronic chime, this can allow the electronic chime to emit a notification sound in response to a visitor being present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph Frank Scalisi, Seton Paul Kasmir
  • Publication number: 20150029008
    Abstract: A method for using a doorbell system can block a first electricity that is less than a first threshold from entering an electronic chime. By blocking the first electricity from entering the electronic chime, the electronic chime is not allowed to emit a notification sound. The method for using the doorbell system can also allow a second electricity that is greater than the first threshold to enter the electronic chime. By allowing the second electricity to enter the electronic chime, this can allow the electronic chime to emit a notification sound in response to a visitor being present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph Frank Scalisi, Seton Paul Kasmir
  • Patent number: 8649362
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods for user equipments to implicitly determine the location of the transmission of uplink control signaling information, that is in response to downlink data packet transmissions, using information that is already available through the downlink control signaling for the respective downlink scheduling assignments. No additional explicit downlink control signaling is required for the transmission of the above uplink control signaling from each user equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Aris Papasakellariou
  • Patent number: 8619136
    Abstract: A system and method for displaying security content from a set top box to a television. In one embodiment, the television receives media content for display. Security content from one or more wireless cameras replaces the media content in response to receiving an alert from the one or more wireless cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Jamie C. Howarter, Charles M. Lesher
  • Publication number: 20130249218
    Abstract: The present disclosure is grounded in field study of habits of many species of animals, such as birds and bats to provide some examples, as well as their anatomical composition. This study has allowed an understanding of ingrained responses of these animals that can be modified by a biological understanding of physiology, sound and ultrasound technology, laser technology, and intelligent animal recognition. The unique coordination between these specialized technologies provides for animal casualty prevention in a sustainable way that achieves unprecedented success in diverting or deterring animals from their collision course with objects, such as wind turbines or aircraft to provide some examples. Moreover, the present disclosure does not substantially affect the well-being of the animals and does not introduce substantially harmful side-effects to the animals, their environment, and any surrounding human population.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: VOLACOM AD
    Inventors: Vassil Marinov VASSILEV, Lidia Ivanova VASSILEVA, Michael Adam KARSCH, Kiril Petkov PETKOV, Petko Kirilov PETKOV, John Charles LARRE
  • Publication number: 20130229270
    Abstract: System and method of providing data to a mobile application accessible at a mobile device via different network connections without interruption are disclosed. The method, which may be implemented on a system includes, receiving data for the mobile application over a network connection different from a first network connection, and/or providing the data received over the network connection including any other data received from the first network connection, to the mobile application in a manner that is without interruption in data flow. The data is provided to the mobile application without interruption even when connections to the different network connections require change in IP addresses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: SEVEN NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Suresh Srinivasan, Yuan Kang Lee, Chaitali Sengupta
  • Patent number: 8519863
    Abstract: A process instrument includes a transducer, a two wire interface, a microprocessor, a digital to analog converter, a first control circuit, and a second control circuit. A current passing through the two wire interface indicates a condition of the transducer. The microprocessor is interfaced with the transducer. The digital to analog converter receives a signal from the microprocessor indicating a current value. The first control circuit is coupled to the digital to analog converter and adapted to control the current passing through the two wire interface to the current value. The second control circuit is coupled to the digital to analog converter and supplies current to a secondary load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Wayne Arntson
  • Patent number: 8330589
    Abstract: A security system includes a warning notification module adapted to recognize at least one of a wireless or audible signal. A door bell ringer or emergency transmission signal from a wireless transmitter can provide a recognition signal to a microprocessor in the security system via the warning notification module. The microprocessor retrieves dog barking sounds stored in memory and provides them to at least one of an amplifier or radio frequency transmitter after the microprocessor receives the recognition signal from the warning notification module. Dog barking sounds can be broadcasted using the wireless transmitter. Processing can be with a time delay after first receipt of the recognition signal. A random module can enable random retrieval of various dog barking sounds from memory for processing. A time out module can disable operation of the microprocessor at a set time after recognition signal receipt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventors: Melisendro T. Ortiz, Luis M. Ortiz
  • Publication number: 20120293310
    Abstract: A door-chime apparatus comprises a door-chime chassis that will permit the apparatus to be installed in a building (such as residence). This door-chime chassis supports other elements including a door-chime user-input interface and a wireless interface, both of which operably couple to a control circuit. The control circuit, in turn, audibilizes a door chime within the building when a user asserts a user input (such as a typical door-bell button) that couples to the door-chime user-input interface. In addition, this control circuit, upon reception of a recognized non-door-chime message via the wireless interface, will cause the audibilization of a message other than a door chime within the building. These teachings will accommodate sourcing the aforementioned non-door-chime message from any of a variety of apparatuses. Examples in these regards include residential utilities, residential appliances, and residential sensors. By one approach the audibilized message can comprise audibilized words.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: HEATHCO, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Mark L. Karasek, William F. Ott
  • Patent number: 8289151
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless item locator doorbell system comprising a doorbell unit and a moveable item locator unit in communication with said doorbell unit wherein said doorbell unit further comprises a motion sensor configured to actuate a message device, wherein said message device is configured to provide a message upon activation of said motion sensor, an actuating mechanism in communication with said motion sensor and/or message device, a transmitter configured to deliver a wireless signal upon actuation of said actuating mechanism, wherein said moveable item locator unit further comprises a receiver configured to receive signals from said transmitter of said doorbell unit, and a second message device configured to provide a message upon activation by said receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventors: Weston S. Koennecke, Craig A. Zimmerman, Terry M. Jun
  • Patent number: 8269621
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mezuzah case having an electronic signaling device for attracting attention of Jewish people walking through a doorway to a mezuzah which is affixed to the doorpost. The Mezuzah case includes housing for holding and protecting a mezuzah parchment and an electric signaling device for emitting a noticeable signal. According to one embodiment the signaling device is a light source. According to an alternative embodiment, the signaling device emits an audio signal. The mezuzah case may further include electronic means for automatically controlling the signaling device according to a preset program and a power source for energizing the electronic means and the signaling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Tomer Shapira, Eli Levi