Including Manual Switching Means Patents (Class 340/5.62)
  • Patent number: 11781350
    Abstract: An emergency actuating device for a closing system of a movable part of a vehicle, in particular of a door, sliding door, flap or tailgate, having at least one energy store, a communication unit for wireless communication with an ID transponder, and an electronics unit for activating a lock of the movable part, whereby the lock of the movable part can be transferred from a locking position into an unlocking position or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Thorsten Bendel, Marco Eggert, Tobias Klocke, Daniel Koch, Martin Lindmayer
  • Patent number: 10991237
    Abstract: A key fob actuator housing and associated system is disclosed for controlling a vehicle key fob via a mobile device. The key fob actuator housing has a set of actuators configured to selectively actuate one or more first buttons of a first key fob and one or more second buttons of a second buttons of a second key fob different than the first key fob buttons. The set of actuators can have a first subset of actuators configured to selectively actuate the one or more first buttons of the first key fob, and a second subset of actuators configured to selectively actuate the one or more second buttons of the second key fob. The subsets can be programmed via a mobile device, and the housing can have a receiver and controller for communicating with the mobile device and activating corresponding actuators to press the corresponding buttons on the key fob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Sute, Matthew Buchanan, Blaise Friery, Mouhamad Bseileh, Jeremy T. Koscielny
  • Patent number: 10801234
    Abstract: A locking device for a trunk in a vehicle. The locking device includes a latch configured to change a state of the trunk between locked and unlocked, and a lever configured to drive the latch to an open position. The locking device further includes a lock knob configured to be disposed outward of a vehicle body to visually determine from an outside of the vehicle whether the trunk is in the locked state or the unlocked state. The lock knob is further configured to be selectively placed in a locked position. In the locked position, the trunk is configured to be brought into the locked state by prohibiting the latch from being driven to an open position. The lock knob is further configured to be selectively placed in an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the trunk is configured to be brought into the unlocked state by enabling the latch to be driven to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Takeuchi, Katsuhisa Yamada, Tsuguhito Ichiriki, Hiroshi Nishijima, Koichi Nozoe
  • Patent number: 10755499
    Abstract: An opening-closing control device of the present disclosure includes: a first electrode unit and a second electrode unit that perform communication with an authenticated communication device; an authentication processor that performs authentication processing on the authenticated communication device on a basis of a result of the communication with the authenticated communication device; an opening-closing operation unit that performs an operation on a lockable opening-closing unit; an operation detector that detects an operation state of the opening-closing operation unit; and a controller that locks or unlocks the opening-closing unit on a basis of a result of the authentication processing and a result of detection of the operation state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communication Inc.
    Inventors: Takashi Miyamoto, Katsuyuki Tanaka, Shinichi Fukuda, Yoshihito Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 10607430
    Abstract: A method for operating a start and entry system of a motor vehicle, including the steps of: detecting whether an authorization of the starting of the motor vehicle is carried out on the basis of a key signal received on the vehicle side, which has been sent from a transmitting and receiving unit of a vehicle key, or whether the authorization of the starting of the vehicle is carried out on the basis of a near-field signal received on the vehicle side, which has been sent by a near-field communication system of a mobile communication device. If the authorization of the vehicle start is carried out on the basis of the key signal received on the vehicle side: the start and entry system is operated in a key operating mode, in which, following the starting of the vehicle, only the availability of the vehicle key in a vehicle interior of the motor vehicle is monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Tobias Geier, Erik Friebe
  • Patent number: 10422166
    Abstract: A vehicle door includes an electrically-powered latch and a user input feature that can be actuated by a user to cause the electrically-powered latch to unlatch. An electrical energy storage device is operably connected to the electrically-powered latch, and a piezoelectric device is mounted to the door. The piezoelectric device can be manually actuated by a user to charge the electrical energy storage device, and electrical energy from the electrical energy storage device can be utilized to actuate the electrically-powered latch to thereby unlatch the latch. The user input feature may comprise a switch or sensor located adjacent a door handle/latch release on an inside and/or an outside of the vehicle door. The electrical energy storage device may comprise an emergency battery, capacitor, or other electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kosta Papanikolaou, Rajesh K. Patel
  • Patent number: 10410447
    Abstract: A system and method for using a portable device to communicate with a vehicle to authorize one or more vehicle operations. The portable device may authorize the vehicle to unlock/lock doors, start the vehicle engine, or mobilize the vehicle, or a combination thereof. The vehicle may include a vehicle transmitter system with one or more transmitters disposed at various locations on the vehicle, and the portable device may be configured to monitor a communication strength between the portable device and the one or more transmitters of the transmitter system. Based on the monitored signal strength, the portable device may determine location information about itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: J. Michael Ellis, Eric Smith, Aaron Day, Kurt Dykema, Warren E. Guthrie, Brent Bouws, David L. Klamer, Kent D. Pilcher
  • Patent number: 10223852
    Abstract: A vehicle includes: motor(s), door lock(s), processor(s) configured to: attempt a direct link with a mobile device based on receiving a key fob command; attempt an indirect link with the mobile device based on failing to establish the direct link; accept and implement the command upon establishing the direct or indirect link; reject the command upon failing to establish the direct and indirect link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alvaro Jimenez Hernandez, Oswaldo Perez Barrera, Pablo Hugo Valencia Chaparro
  • Patent number: 10176707
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a remote control including an electronic circuit comprising means for detecting the position, orientation and movement of the hand and/or forearm such as an accelerometer, means for transmitting at radiofrequency a control signal calculated depending on the measured position, orientation and movement, and a means for fastening to the forearm of an operator, wherein the remote control further comprises a contactor able to be actuated by the interaction of two fingers, the contactor controlling the activation of the electronic circuit and the maintenance of the control signal until the action on the contactor is stopped, and a bearing surface associated with a contactor controlling an emergency stoppage of the controlled equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: SIATECH
    Inventors: Frédéric Hamain, Nicolas Iriart, Nicolas Klis
  • Patent number: 10081334
    Abstract: A method and system for unlocking a reserved vehicle designed to encode an access code assigned by a remote server to a Morse code or pattern by a control box or a head unit provided in the reserved vehicle. The Morse code or pattern is generated in a form of a sound signal or a light signal with use of a vehicle horn or headlight. The Morse code or pattern in sound or light is detected by a pre-existing mobile device, typically, a smartphone of a user without requiring any specific access card or reader. The detected Morse code or pattern is decoded back to the access code or converted an FFT signal by the mobile device and is sent to the server for verification. When successfully verified, the server sends an unlock command to the reserved vehicle so that the user can gain access to the reserved vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Qijun Chen, Ben Cannon
  • Patent number: 10004208
    Abstract: Disclosed is an animal tracking device, which is worn by an animal and tracks a location of the animal, the animal tracking device including: a location determining unit configured to determine a current location according to information received from a GPS antenna; a sensor configured to determine state information about the animal; a device identification information storing unit configured to store device identification information for identifying a device; a battery configured to supply power; a first communication unit configured to perform RF communication with a user's device; and a main control unit, which controls the device, and controls the first communication unit to communicate with the user's device through another animal tracking device registered in the user's device, and a system including the same and a method of tracking a location of an animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: DOGTRA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Min Jae So
  • Patent number: 9996994
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic communication module (2) for locking/unlocking at least one movable panel of a motor vehicle, including a resonant circuit adjusted to a timing frequency and including an transmission winding (20) connected in series to a tuning capacitor (21), said resonant circuit (20, 21) being capable of emitting a low-frequency interrogation signal, at said tuning frequency, to a portable badge or identifier, and a manually-actuated triggering member (22), the actuation of which triggers the transmission of said interrogation signal. According to the invention, the triggering member is a button switch (22) connected in series to at least one resistor (23) in order to form an electric dipole (24), and said electric dipole (24) is electrically connected in parallel to all or part of the resonant circuit (20, 21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: VALEO SECURITE HABITACLE
    Inventor: Eric Leconte
  • Patent number: 9975521
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hands-free system (SYS) for accessing a motor vehicle (V). Said system includes: a control member (COM) arranged in the motor vehicle (V); a detection member (CAPT) arranged in a door handle (P) of the motor vehicle (V), said detecting member being connected to said control member (COM) and capable of measuring a signal (S) representing a hand (M) approaching; and a sensitivity level (SEN) for which a corresponding threshold value (TH) is defined. Said control member (COM) is capable of sending a hands-free query to the motor vehicle (V) when the measured signal (S) exceeds the threshold value (TH) corresponding to the sensitivity level (SEN).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: VALEO COMFORT AND DRIVING ASSISTANCE
    Inventors: Eric Menard, Ciprian Musat, Eric Leconte
  • Patent number: 9965912
    Abstract: An on-vehicle apparatus control system includes: a first on-vehicle switch and a second located farther from an on-vehicle reception unit than the first on-vehicle switch; an on-vehicle control device; and a portable machine. In a case where the on-vehicle switches is operated, the on-vehicle control device transmits a response request signal to the portable machine, the portable machine returns a response signal, and the on-vehicle control device controls an on-vehicle apparatus. The on-vehicle apparatus control system further includes a level switch. In a case where the first on-vehicle switch is operated, the level switch switches transmission intensity of a portable machine transmission unit or reception sensitivity of an on-vehicle reception unit to a first level, and in a case where the second on-vehicle switch is operated, the level switch switches the transmission intensity or the reception sensitivity to a second level higher than the first level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiro Yamamoto, Yoichi Atsumi
  • Patent number: 9875649
    Abstract: A system includes a base station, a communications device, and a fob. The base station is configured to control a vehicle function in response to receiving a command via a first wireless link. One of the communications device and the fob is configured to transmit a request via a second wireless link different than the first wireless link. The other one of the communications device and the fob is configured to transmit the command to the base station via the first wireless link in response to receiving the request via the second wireless link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald O. King, Craig Elder
  • Patent number: 9864375
    Abstract: An area isolation system (AIS) is provided. The AIS may include a barrier adjacent to a work area, a barrier control panel (BCP) operatively connected to and disposed proximate the barrier, the BCP including a BCP controller in communication with a BCP short-range transceiver, the BCP controller configured to control the barrier, and a machine configured to autonomously operate within the work area. The machine may include a remote shutdown module (RSM) having an RSM controller in communication with an RSM short-range transceiver, and an RSM unique identifier preprogrammed into a memory associated with the RSM controller. The RSM short-range transceiver may be configured to send signals indicative of the RSM unique identifier to the BCP short-range transceiver when a machine radio zone associated with the RSM short-range transceiver intercepts with a BCP radio zone associated with the BCP short-range transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Euan Kirkhope, Darren Anderson, Jason Gough, Peter Broughton, Joshua Bynon
  • Patent number: 9734293
    Abstract: A system and method for collecting, communicating, displaying, and/or analyzing data from multiple medical devices is disclosed. The system includes a local data collection module and a number of medical device adapters. The medical device adapters are coupled to respective medical devices via hardwired connections to receive data from the respective medical devices. The medical device adapters wirelessly transmit the data to the local data collection module. The local data collection module communicates the data received from the medical device adapters to an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system for automatic entry of at least some of the data in the electronic medical record of a patient associated with the medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Williams F. Collins, Jr., Michael D. Gallup
  • Patent number: 9640006
    Abstract: A method for detecting the actuation of a handle (10) of a motor vehicle door (20), the handle (10) including at least a locking electrode (60), having a capacitance across its terminals, and an unlocking request detection device (50) generating an unlocking request signal, the method including continuously measuring a variation of the unlocking request signal and a variation of the capacitance (?CV) of the locking electrode, determining an unlocking request, and then comparing the variation of the capacitance (?CV) with a threshold (S2) during consecutive first and second predetermined periods (t1, t2), respectively, in order to detect whether the handle (10) has been actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignees: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE, CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Mickael Guibbert, Olivier Elie, Olivier Gerardiere
  • Patent number: 9595148
    Abstract: It is presented an access control communication device comprising: a short distance radio communication module; a cellular radio communication module; and a controller arranged to communicate access rights associated with a key device, using the cellular radio communication module, with an access control device over a cellular communication network, the communicating comprising sending a request for access management data associated with the lock device, and receiving access management data associated with the lock device; and the controller further being arranged to transmit the access management data to the key device for transfer to the lock device, the communicating and transmitting being arranged to be performed upon the access control device being in communication with the key device using the short distance radio communication module. A corresponding method, computer program and computer program product area also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY AB
    Inventors: Anders Borg, Mats Cederblad, Daniel Garmen, Tomas Jonsson, Peter Siklosi
  • Patent number: 9589406
    Abstract: It is presented a key device comprising: a mechanical interface for mechanically maneuvering a lock device upon successful access control. The mechanical interface comprises a connector for powering the lock device and for communication with the lock device such that the lock device is able to perform electronic access control using the key device. The key device further comprises a clock; a memory; a radio communication module; and a controller arranged to, using the radio communication module communicate online with an access control device and use the memory as temporary storage for offline communication between the access control device and one or more lock devices. A corresponding method, computer program and computer program product are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY AB
    Inventors: Anders Borg, Mats Cederblad, Daniel Garmen, Tomas Jonsson, Peter Siklosi
  • Patent number: 9578153
    Abstract: A mobile device connection system may identify a mobile device of a present driver and prioritize a wireless connection between the identified mobile device and a built-in hands-free device located in a motor vehicle. The mobile device connection system may include a sensor and a controller. The sensor may be configured to sense an identity of a driver when the driver is within a proximity of the motor vehicle and generate a signal based on the sensed identity. The controller may be coupled to the sensor, and it may be configured to identify the mobile device based on the signal from the sensor, search and detect the identified mobile device, and establish a wireless connection between the detected mobile device and the built-in hands-free device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Edward Pierfelice, Eric Randell Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9432953
    Abstract: A detection device that detects existence of a radio wave transmitting/receiving body inside a specific space has a first antenna, a second antenna, a controller that controls a first detection signal and a second detection signal that the first antenna transmits to an inside of the specific space, and a disturbing signal that the second antenna transmits, a third antenna that receives a response signal transmitted to the first detection signal and the second detection signal, which have been received by the radio wave transmitting/receiving body, and a determination unit that determines an existence position of the radio wave transmitting/receiving body, based on the response signal received by the third antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tadao Nishiguchi
  • Patent number: 9420406
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes providing an interface on a wireless device corresponding to an interface for vehicle infotainment system control. The method also includes providing simulated functionality of controls on the interface, such that activation of a control informs a user of what would occur if the control were activated on a vehicle interface. Further, the method includes saving at least one user setting input into the interface. The method additionally includes transferring the saved setting to a vehicle computing system (VCS) for use in infotainment system control when the wireless device is in communication with the VCS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yifan Chen, Gary Steven Strumolo, Dimitar Petrov Filev, Jeffrey Allen Greenberg, Oleg Yurievitch Gusikhin, Perry Robinson MacNeille, Basavaraj Tonshal, Krishnaswamy Venkatesh Prasad, Paul Aldighieri
  • Patent number: 9302675
    Abstract: A radio remote control for controlling at least one first vehicle function that is relevant for functional safety, and further vehicle functions not related to functional safety. The remote control generates and wirelessly transmits transmission data to the vehicle for implementing the first vehicle function in response to a user input and a security information, provided upon actuation of a user interface and a security input actuator, respectively, by the user. In the case of a user input that is associated with the first vehicle function, the security information is only used to generate transmission data that causes the first vehicle function to be carried out if the security input actuator was actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Simon Schilling, Joerg Bartelt, Matthias Kuntz, Helmut Wagatha
  • Patent number: 9266503
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a smart key carried by a user and operated by an embedded battery and a verification ECU mounted in a vehicle. A wireless communication is made between the smart key and the verification ECU. The smart key performs periodically a switchover of a detection sensitivity for detecting a transmission electric wave transmitted from the verification ECU between a normal sensitivity and a high sensitivity. The high sensitivity has a detection area of the transmission electric wave greater than a detection area of the normal sensitivity. The constant use of the high sensitivity is unnecessary to detect the transmission electric wave. This enables a reduction of the consumed electric current of the battery for detecting the transmission electric wave with the high sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenji Katou
  • Patent number: 9208305
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of using a token comprises receiving an indication of a presence of a nearby short-range terminal and waking up the token in response to receiving the indication. The method further comprises performing authentication between the token and the terminal, without requiring a user to directly interact with the token.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: DigitalPersona, Inc.
    Inventor: Vance C. Bjorn
  • Patent number: 9199608
    Abstract: A keyless entry assembly includes a carrier with an electrical conductor thereon, a light pipe having an indicator, and a controller. The light pipe is connected to the carrier such that the indicator and conductor are in alignment. The light pipe is operable for receiving light to illuminate the indicator. The carrier with the light pipe connected thereto is mountable to a user accessible portion of a vehicle. The conductor capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object proximal to the conductor while the conductor is driven with an electrical charge such that capacitance of the conductor changes due to the conductor capacitively coupling with the object. The controller is operable for driving the conductor with the electrical charge, measuring the conductor capacitance to determine whether an electrically conductive object is proximal to the conductor, and controlling a vehicle operation as a function of the object being proximal to the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: UUSI, LLC
    Inventors: Todd R. Newman, John M. Washeleski, Andrew E. Blank, David W. Shank
  • Patent number: 9193331
    Abstract: A vehicle door control apparatus is provided with an authentication unit, a detection unit and a control unit. The authentication unit authenticates an ID information outputted from a mobile device carried by a user. The detection unit detects an object around a door. The control unit performs an opening operation of the door at least when both a first condition and a second condition are satisfied. In the first condition, the authentication unit authenticates the ID information. In the second condition, the detection unit detects that the object is separated from a predetermined determination area after the object is continuously located in the determination area over a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: ALPHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jun Endo
  • Patent number: 9171433
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring devices using near field communications (NFC) techniques is disclosed. A plurality of host devices each incorporates a NFC device. An audio or visual alert device is incorporated into each host device and is coupled to its associated NFC device. A detector has a detector NFC device. A monitor is incorporated in the detector and is coupled to the detector NFC device. An alert activator in each host device is coupled to the associated NFC device and associated alert device and activates the associated alert device when one of the host NFC devices moves out of communication range with another host NFC device. A monitor activator in the detector device coupled to the detector NFC device and the monitor activates the monitor when the one NFC device moves out of communication range with the other NFC device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Kliegman, Behdad Esfahbod
  • Patent number: 9162648
    Abstract: In general, aspects of this disclosure are directed towards techniques for using a computing device to perform the functionality of a vehicle key, so that the computing device may be used to automatically unlock the doors of a vehicle and/or to activate a previously-deactivated keyless ignition system. The computing device may be associated with a vehicle, including sending an identifier associated with the computing device to the vehicle via short-range communication. The computing device may also send to the vehicle, via short-range communication, at least one unlock door signal including an access code verifiable by the vehicle, and wherein receipt of the at least one unlock door signal by the vehicle enables the vehicle to unlock one or more of its doors without further user intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Zhi Weng, Lantian Zheng
  • Patent number: 9151086
    Abstract: A storage compartment arrangement for a motor vehicle, in particular an automobile, is provided. The arrangement can include a storage compartment, a storage compartment cover displaceable by a drive, a key and a control device, which is configured to cooperate with the key and to displace, in particular to close, the storage compartment cover on the basis of an actuation of the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Tobias Schneider, Andreas Lang
  • Patent number: 9150148
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lighting device (D?) on a motor vehicle, including: at least one light source (D1, D2, D3, D4) controlled by a pulse-width modulated lighting signal (PWM?); and a body controller module (10) generating the lighting signal (PWM?) linked to the light source and, to at least one sensor (100, 200, 300, 400) detecting the approach and/or contact of the user's hand. The device includes a switching element (S1, S2, S3, S4) located between the detection sensor and the light source. The detection sensor includes: receiving and a processing element (101, 201, 301, 401) of the lighting signal; and a control element (102, 202, 302, 402) of the switching element, linked electrically firstly to the receiving and processing element, and secondly to the light source via the switching element. Also disclosed is a method for controlling the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignees: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE, CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Stephan Baudru, Maxime Cordier, Cyril Robin
  • Patent number: 9102299
    Abstract: A driver identification system for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a driver's side front door. The driver identification system includes at least one remote device, and a control module. The remote device is activated to send an authentication signal. The control module is in selective communication with the at least one remote device. The control module receives a signal indicating that the driver's side front door of the vehicle is opened. The control module includes control logic for sending an inquiry signal if the signal indicating the driver's side front door is opened is received by the control module. The inquiry signal is configured for activating the at least one remote device to send the authentication signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Aaron P. Creguer, David T. Proefke, Roy Y. Asmar, Thomas E. Utter
  • Patent number: 9050943
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handle unit (10) to trigger the function of a lock (19) for opening and/or for closing a moving part (42), in particular a door, a tailgate or similar of a motor vehicle (40), with one electronic unit (20, 20?) and one actuating element, wherein the electronic unit (20, 20?) is used for data communication with a vehicle part, in particular with a security system; the actuating element monitors an actuation zone (60) and a signal is triggered by means of the actuating element by a movement of an object (100) within the actuation zone (60). The invention provides that the actuating element optically monitors the actuation zone (60) so that the detection of a specified motion pattern (30) due to movement of the object (100) will cause a triggering of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: HUF HULSBECK & FURST GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Ulrich Müller
  • Publication number: 20150130586
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable bed handheld remote control that may include a handheld housing, a touch sensor on a front face of the handheld housing, a transmitter and the like. The touch sensor may be presented in a slider form and may be adapted to facilitate a user in adjusting a frame position of an adjustable bed. The transmitter may be electrically coupled to a processor and may receive input from the touch sensor, for communication control signals to the adjustable bed in accordance with the input received from the touch sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Martin B. Rawls-Meehan
  • Patent number: 9024721
    Abstract: An apparatus for changing the state of a vehicle closure is disclosed. The apparatus includes a primary mobile unit, a secondary mobile unit, and a detection device. The detection device is operable to automatically detect whether the primary mobile unit is within a first range of the detection device, and whether the secondary mobile unit is within a second range of the detection device. The apparatus further includes a controller operable to change the state of the vehicle closure when the detection device detects that the secondary mobile unit is within the second range while the primary mobile unit is detected within the first range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin P. McBride, Thomas J. Keeling, Keiichi Aoyama, Tanemichi Chiba, Michael A. Wiegand, Christopher M. Kurpinski
  • Patent number: 9013266
    Abstract: An authenticated RFID system is provided that uses elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) to reduce the signature size and read/write times when compared to traditional public key implementations such as RSA. Either ECDSA or ECPVS can be used to reduce the signature size and ECPVS can be used to hide a portion of the RFID tag that contains sensitive product identifying information. As a result, smaller tags can be used or multiple signatures can be written at different stages in a manufacturing or supply chain. A key management system is used to distribute the verification keys and aggregate signature schemes are also provided for adding multiple signatures to the RFID tags, for example in a supply chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Certicom Corp.
    Inventors: Michael Griffiths-Harvey, Brian Neill, Keelan Smith, Tony Rosati, Walt Davis
  • Patent number: 9000892
    Abstract: A method of detecting an RFID tag includes transmitting a bait RFID read signal at a bait power level and a simulated response signal at a simulated-response power level. A selected reader frequency is monitored for a selected detection time. A skimmer is determined to be present if a skimmer RFID read signal is detected during that time. If a skimmer is not determined to be present, multiple read signals are transmitted sequentially, each signal at a respective read power level. At least one of the read power levels is lower than the bait power level, at least one of the read power levels is lower than the simulated-response power level, and at least two of the read power levels are different from each other. A selected response frequency for a tag is monitored for a response from an RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Mark P. Hinman, James Alan Katerberg
  • Patent number: 8976006
    Abstract: Disclosed are alternate embodiments of various components of a barrier operator system. and methods of operation, including of the mechanical drive subsystem with segmented and self-locking rail unit, rail mounting supports, belt and chain drive tensioning, and drive assembly carriage and interface; the electronics and software routines for controlled operation of the various barrier operator functions; wall console communications with the barrier operator; encryption and decryption of access codes; establishment and monitoring of travel limits and barrier speed and force profiles; thermal protection of barrier operator drive motors; and establishment and control of communications from the barrier operator to accessories by way of a wireless adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventors: Leroy G. Krupke, Mark Raymond Wilzbach
  • Patent number: 8922335
    Abstract: A weapons container for releasing a defense weapon includes a cabinet, a cabinet door, and an interior securing the defense weapon. Upon detection of a fingerprint input by a biometric sensor, a surveillance camera captures video and an audio intercom provides communication with a central command center. A recording system saves the video and audio to a storage database. A delay release lock secures the defense weapon for an amount of time and releases the defense weapon depending on a signal from the central command center. A communications system is connected over a network to the central command center, a local authority, and an emergency responder. The communications system notifies the local authority or the emergency responder upon detection of the fingerprint input and streams the video and audio to the central command center and at least one of the local authority and the emergency responder over the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy Deweese, Brandon Delibro
  • Patent number: 8917161
    Abstract: A data transmission system comprising a data bridge, a reader device, and a network access system. The data bridge comprises an RFID system, a network system, a memory module, and a processor operatively connected between the RFID system and the network system. The data bridge system operates in a first mode using the RFID system and a second mode using the network system. The reader device communicates with the memory module using the RFID system. The network access system communicates with the memory module using the network system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventors: Clifford J. August, Derek John Pyner, Glenn Needham
  • Patent number: 8884739
    Abstract: A vehicle security apparatus includes an immobilizer ECU, a remote security ECU, a display, an operation unit, and a power supply control unit. The immobilizer ECU controls a drive prohibition and drive permission for an engine based on an identification signal transmitted from a key and/or a remote setting signal and a remote unsetting signal output from the remote security ECU. When a remote setting signal has been transmitted to set an immobilizer, the power supply control unit causes a power supply transition to an accessory-on state or an ignition-on state when an authorized identification signal from the key is transmitted. Thus, the remote immobilizer is enabled to be unset by the display and the operation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Toshio Shimomura
  • Patent number: 8866583
    Abstract: A universal system and method for controlling existing garage doors via existing garage door openers. The system includes a module operable both manually and automatically to control the existing garage door, Wifi communication circuitry to receive instructions wirelessly from a remote, circuitry for automatic and remote control of the garage door and circuitry for pushing garage door status information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ordaz
  • Patent number: 8847731
    Abstract: A system for communicating with a vehicle includes a control module equipped with a remote keyless entry (RKE) receiver and configured to control vehicle functions in response to a RKE signal. The system includes a fob equipped with a RKE transmitter and a short range transceiver, such as BLUETOOTH™, IEEE 802.11, or near field communication (NFC). The fob transmits a RKE signal in response to receiving a message from a consumer device, such as a cellular phone, smart phone, tablet computer, or personal computer equipped with a short range transceiver, enabling the user to control the vehicle from the consumer device. The system may be configured to transmit vehicle status information to the consumer device. The control module may include a third short range transceiver that communicates with the consumer device when the distance is between the vehicle and the consumer device is less than the distance threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Craig A. Tieman
  • Publication number: 20140240091
    Abstract: A system and method for employing BLE nodes in a PEPS system to determine whether a FOB is within or outside of a vehicle. The method includes interrogating the FOB using a signal transmitted by a BLE device on the vehicle to determine whether the FOB is in a predetermined vicinity of the vehicle and receiving a Bluetooth signal at the BLE device that is transmitted by the FOB if the FOB is in the vicinity of the vehicle. The method also included determining a transmit power of the Bluetooth signal transmitted by the FOB and determining a receive power of the Bluetooth signal transmitted by the FOB and received by the BLE device. The method uses the transmit power and the receive power in a comparison process to determine whether the FOB is inside or outside of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: TIMOTHY J. TALTY, AMANDA J. KALHOUS, NEERAJ R. GAUTAMA
  • Patent number: 8816228
    Abstract: A wireless switching device with an actuating member that can move along a main axis between an idle position and a working position, a spring stressed by force by the actuating member in a direction substantially parallel to the main axis, a switching assembly that can include a plunger arranged to be actuated by the actuating member and a wireless transmitter module provided with an antenna for sending a message to a receiver module in the event of an action on the plunger. The antenna can be arranged prominently on the switching assembly in a direction substantially parallel to the main axis and the spring of helical type being arranged coaxially to the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Alain Guillot, Dominique Benni, Francis Chauvet, Patrice Thizon
  • Patent number: 8810363
    Abstract: An engine starting/stopping switch device is provided that includes a switch unit that switches over switching modes in response to linear movement of a movable member, a push button that is linked to the movable member so as to drive the movable member in response to a pushing operation, and a coil antenna that outputs transponder drive radio waves for generating an electromotive force in a transponder built into a portable device, wherein the coil antenna (15) is disposed coaxially with the push button (14) so that at least part of the coil antenna (15) is inserted into the interior of the push button (14). This enables the operability of a push button to be improved and enables the size in the radial direction of the push button to be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sakamoto, Makoto Honkawa, Keisuke Hidaka, Koji Masubuchi, Kazuto Kaneshige
  • Patent number: 8803656
    Abstract: A card-type electronic key having a high level of portability and including an emergency mechanical key that is difficult to duplicate. The electronic key is used with a communication controller arranged in a vehicle. The electronic key includes a communication circuit unit which transmits a wireless signal including an authentication code. The communication circuit unit is allowed to control an external device arranged on the subject when the communication controller receiving the wireless signal determines that the verification code is authentic. A key card unit includes a verification code pattern formed by through holes. A concealment film is removably adhered to the key card unit and conceals the through holes so that the through holes cannot be seen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takumi Tamezane, Toshiharu Katagiri, Noriyasu Shamoto
  • Patent number: 8797144
    Abstract: An RFID reader system has an RFID tag and an RFID reader. The tag authorizes the RFID reader by receiving a plurality of successively-transmitted initial RFID read signals and determining respective initial-read signal power levels of the received initial RFID read signals. Using the determined initial-read signal power levels, a controller automatically selects an authorization sequence. A plurality of successively-transmitted authorization RFID signals are received sequentially, and respective authorization-signal power levels of the received authorization RFID read signals are determined. The determined authorization-signal power levels are automatically compared to the authorization sequence using the controller, so that the RFID reader is authorized if the determined authorization-signal power levels correspond to the authorization sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Mark P. Hinman, James Alan Katerberg
  • Patent number: 8779891
    Abstract: The invention relates to an access control device, in particular for a switchgear cabinet system, having a central unit, which is designed to receive and evaluate access authorization data stored on personal transponders and to output release signals via a wireless signal transmission link and to release a relevant interlocking unit, and which has an authentication device with a testing stage in which comparison data for testing the received access authorization data for access authorization is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Rittal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Daniel Rosenthal, Martin Rossmann