Coded Record Input (e.g., Ic Card Or Key) Patents (Class 340/5.6)
  • Patent number: 7071813
    Abstract: A movable barrier operator (11) transmits status signals from time to time to reflect its own operational states. A corresponding wireless remote control apparatus (14) receives such status signals and used the informational content of such status signals to effect a variety of automatic and/or user-facilitated control strategies. In one embodiment, the wireless remote control apparatus can use the status signal to determine a distance (or at least an approximate distance) between the movable barrier operator and the wireless remote control apparatus. This distance information, in turn, can also be used to inform and enrich the control strategies and possibilities of the wireless remote control apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Fitzgibbon
  • Patent number: 7061368
    Abstract: In an on-vehicle equipment remote control system provided with a portable unit that a vehicle operator can carry and an on-vehicle unit that executes a predetermined process if a code content of a response signal issued by the portable unit in response to a transmitted request signal matches a required code content, the on-vehicle unit transmits the request signal on a first frequency prior to the start of a vehicle power source and transmits the request signal on a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency after the start of the vehicle power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroki Okada
  • Patent number: 7051561
    Abstract: A mortise lockset apparatus (10) that includes a retractable bolt (20) movably supported within a case (12). A handle (18) is pivotally supported on a hub (16) supported in the case, the hub being operably connected to the retractable bolt. The bolt is retracted by turning the door handle. A lock-out mechanism (22) is configured to prevent the handle from being turned when the lock-out mechanism is in an engaged position. The handle lock-out mechanism also includes a cam (29) movably supported in the case and operably connected to a motor (30). A sliding stop (34) is movably supported in the case and is engageable with the handle hub to prevent the handle hub and the handle from turning. The sliding stop is also engageable with a cam surface (40) of the cam. The motor is configured to move the sliding stop by rotating the cam. The cam rotational axis (42) is disposed between diametrically opposed portions of the cam surface to minimize space requirements for the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Computerized Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Moon, Ernst K. Mitchell, Mohamad A. Khalil, John J. Kimes
  • Patent number: 7047777
    Abstract: A key assembly which includes a key shank having a forward portion and a handle portion having an aperture. A shuttle is also included. The shuttle includes first and second substantially planar portions and a center portion connected to the substantially planar portions. A transponder recess is located on the shuttle. The shuttle is configured and dimensioned to mate with the aperture on the handle portion of the key shank. After mating with the aperture, the shuttle rotates within the aperture. After mating with and rotating within the aperture, the shuttle is securely retained within the aperture. A transponder is located within the transponder recess. The transponder receives a wireless interrogation signal and transmitting a wireless response signal in response to the interrogation signal. A key head is formed about the shuttle, transponder, and handle portion of the key shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Hurd Corporation
    Inventor: David C. Banks
  • Patent number: 7046122
    Abstract: A detector receiver circuit for use as a wake-up detector for detecting an amplitude modulated carrier signal includes an antenna for receiving the modulated carrier signal; and a transistor, such as an FET, which is connected to the antenna and configured to operate as a detector of modulation of the carrier frequency. The circuit further comprises a resonator circuit which is also connected to the transistor and configured such that the transistor can simultaneously oscillate at substantially the modulation frequency; and an oscillator quenching circuit for periodically quenching oscillation of the transistor. The characteristics of the build-up of oscillation are sensed to indicate the presence of a modulated carrier signal. How quickly the magnitude of oscillation of the transistor builds up is dependent on whether the antenna is receiving a carrier signal which is modulated at the frequency of self-oscillation of the transistor, which is utilized to detect for the presence of a valid wake-up signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Ian J Forster
  • Patent number: 7036016
    Abstract: A method for securing passwords, personal identification numbers and identifying patterns utilizes a MasterCode camouflaged within a grid which contains all the characters, symbols or pictograms of which the MasterCode is a subset. For securing numeric sequences, the MasterCode is comprised of ten characters randomly associated to a corresponding digit (including zero). The characters thereby associated with each numeric password are expanded into an ordinary, natural language word, a SecureWord using non-associated letters. The MasterCode is masked by its unique placement in a MasterGrid known only to the user. For securing passwords comprised of alpha numeric symbolic characters, each unique character, the MasterCode, is assigned a sequential number which becomes a sequence of positions in the MasterGrid with each MasterCode character placed in the appropriate position and the remainder of the character set filled in. SecureNumbers are the positions in the MasterGrid of each character in a password.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: A. James Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7030729
    Abstract: An electromechanical safety for weapons (1), provided with a mechanical safety device, includes a base electronic unit, actuating an electromechanical transducer (2) acting on the safety mechanical device, and a transponder (5), the base unit providing a central control and processing unit, connected with a transceiver unit (4), continuously transmitting an enquiry signal, able to talk with the transponder (5), when the latter is within the transmission range of the transceiver unit (4), the transponder (5) having no power supply and receiving the power necessary to its operation from the signal transmitted by the transceiver unit (4), said at least one transponder (5) transmits, an identification code and the base unit actuates the electromechanical transducer (2) in such a way to release the safety mechanical device when receives an identification code corresponding to a code stored in the base unit and actuating the electromechanical transducer (2) in such a way to insert the safety mechanical device as so
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventors: Luciano Albanesi, Benedetto Ottavi
  • Patent number: 7031494
    Abstract: A method for securely transacting a transaction based on a transaction document having an image contained within the document, the method includes the steps of compressing an image on the document; scrambling the structure of the compressed image according to a permutation; obtaining the inverse permutation; applying the inverse permutation to the scrambled image for obtaining an unscrambled image; and decompressing the unscrambled image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Ray, Rajan L. Joshi, Gene E. Pios
  • Patent number: 7012503
    Abstract: An efficient method and a system for controlling access to a location secured by a lock mechanism controlled by a lock control unit, which may provide a high degree of flexibility and a high level of security. The method includes the steps of storing a first access code in the lock control unit, the first access code being indicative of a predetermined access right to the location, and storing a plurality of access codes including a second access code in an electronic key device. Using the electronic key device, access to the location is requested by initiating transmission of the second access code to the lock control unit where the transmitted second access code is compared with the first access code and, if the first access code corresponds to the second access code, operation of the lock mechanism is initiated. The user can edit and rearrange the plurality of access codes to obtain access to a plurality of locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Bording Data A/S
    Inventor: Ernst Lykke Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7009489
    Abstract: An improved electronic lock system is provided for use with real estate lock boxes where there is the need for many people to access the secured compartment of the lock box in a controlled manner. Each user has an identification card with a non-volatile secure memory (known as a “smart card”), for exchanging data with the lock box, and with a portable computer capable of reading data from the smart card; or a cell phone can be used to gain access information from a central computer. The user first inserts the smart card into the connector attached to the lock box; the lock box reads the user's ID stored in the smart card memory and records this information in lock box memory. The lock box then transfers its access code information and other data to the smart card for further processing. The user then inserts the smart card in a portable card reader to learn the access code, or calls a central computer via a mobile phone system and interacts with the computer to elicit the necessary access code information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: SentriLock, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Fisher
  • Patent number: 7005966
    Abstract: A computer system is configured to be powered up by a hand-held controller. The hand-held controller is in wireless communication with a computer. One or more buttons on the hand-held controller may be used to automatically launch a particular application program which has been pre-selected by a computer user after completing the power up process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael V. Leman, William M. Creese
  • Patent number: 7005959
    Abstract: A vehicle key-less entry system includes a locking mechanism to lock or unlock vehicle doors; a door-handle detector to detect whether a door handle is manipulated and a manipulation mode when the door handle is detected as manipulated; a mobile device to record identification (ID) information and conduct non-contact communications using the ID information; an authenticator to perform an authentication procedure using the ID information through the non-contact communications with the mobile device when the door handle is detected as manipulated; and a locking controller to control the locking mechanism for locking or unlocking the vehicle door based on the manipulation mode detected by the door-handle detector when a result of the authentication procedure is positive. The door-handle detector may detect whether a door handle is manipulated only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Amagasa, Noritoshi Yuzuriha, Nobuzi Suzuki, Masakazu Aoki
  • Patent number: 7005972
    Abstract: When the connection of a cable to a control interface is confirmed, and thereafter a write command is received, a data write process is executed to renew contents of a conversion table stored in a memory based on link data attached to the write command. Furthermore, when a read command is received, a data read process is executed to retrieve the contents of the conversion table stored in the memory and thereafter to transmit the retrieved data to an external device through the control interface. Then, when disconnection of the cable is detected, the processes, each of which is executed according to the corresponding command transmitted from the external device, are bypassed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Munenori Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6983888
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable wireless anti-theft flash memory having a body proper in which there are a flash memory, a high frequency receiver circuit, and a monode switch to go with a cap, in which are a high frequency transmitter, an encoding circuit, and a counter, for casing the body proper. Connecting the body proper to a computing device enables high frequency transmitting, receiving, and turning on flash memory firewall. When the transmitting source is a distance away, the firewall becomes engaged thus disabling the flash memory to prevent loss of data from theft for safety purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Cheng-Fu Weng
  • Patent number: 6985070
    Abstract: A method and system for checking a guest into a hospitality site is provided. A biometric sample is captured from a guest using a biometric-sample-capture device to create a portable biometric profile. The biometric sample is compared to a biometric sample previously stored in a memory location. If the guest is authenticated, he/she is approved for check-in. A user profile can be retrieved that has a set of user preferences. These user preferences can then be used to customize the guests stay at the hospitality site. Many hospitality sites can remotely access the biometric profile to effect authentication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventor: Benjamin James Parker
  • Patent number: 6980081
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for authenticating a user of a device comprises: generating at least one arrangement comprising a sub-set of a plurality of stored objects, the sub-set comprising at least one authenticating object that forms at least part of a user's authentication key and the sub-set further comprising at least one non-authenticating object, wherein such generating comprises randomly selecting a position within the at least one arrangement for the at least one authenticating object and randomly selecting the at least one non-authenticating object from the plurality of stored objects; presenting to a user the generated at least one arrangement; receiving input that comprises a selection of at least one of the objects from the at least one arrangement; and determining whether the selection identifies the authentication key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: James Anderson
  • Patent number: 6981142
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new and flexible approach for managing physical security in an electronic lock-and-key system. The novel approach does away with cabling or other direct connecting between locks and a system management center. The (physical) keys serve to disseminate access control and other information within the system in a snowball-like way, using an adapted, but simple networking protocol. Whenever appropriate, cryptographic schemes are applied to protect the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Ceki Gulcu
  • Patent number: 6972660
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which determine, to a desired level of certainty, the identities of each individual granted access to an area, room, container, and/or good or service using biometric data. A plurality of access points may be networked to provide access control and/or access record generation on a real time basis. Biometric scanners, electronic locks, and control devices are preferably disposed throughout a hierarchical access facility, such as a hotel, to provide access to areas, rooms, and containers, to acquire information with respect individuals' access thereto, and/or to identify individuals for providing access to goods and services. Such devices may be in communication with one another and/or host systems, such as local hosts and facility servers, via wireline communication, wireless communication, and combinations thereof to thereby provide a pervasive access and access record management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Lifecardid, Inc.
    Inventors: William S. Montgomery, Jr., Leland H. Cooley, II, Robert A. Lunday
  • Patent number: 6970067
    Abstract: A system comprises an apparatus which is capable of personalizing its behavior in accordance with a user profile, and a gatekeeper device which comprises control means for allowing a user to control said personalization of the apparatus. The gatekeeper device is capable of detecting apparatuses which have personalization capabilities and of notifying the user upon such detection. The user may then decide to establish a relationship with the apparatus, which relationship specifies the extent of personalization which the apparatus is allowed to exhibit and whether confirmation by the user is required at fixture occasions. The user is allowed to change the relationship at any time. The system enables the user to build up anonymous relationships with various apparatuses, providing the user with personalized services while privacy is guaranteed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes G. Sinke, Nathalie D. P. Leurs, Henricus A. W. Van Gestel
  • Patent number: 6967567
    Abstract: The vehicle of the present invention, which has doors that lock and is moved, based on personal identification, comprises: a device for preventing moving of the vehicle based on the personal identification when receiving a return instruction from a vehicle user; and a device for allowing only the operation of the doors for a predetermined period of time after the return instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6967575
    Abstract: A secure pickup and delivery container includes a lockable door, a control unit, an access element, and an anchoring element, according to one embodiment. The control unit includes a processing element and a memory that can be programmed either on-site or remotely with access privilege information such as identity (e.g. of container, delivery person, etc.), location, date, time, frequency of access, and/or package-specific information. In one embodiment, access privilege information is programmed when an intended recipient of a delivery consummates a point of sale transaction, for example over the Internet or telephone. The access element can be a keypad, a biometric scanner, a card reader, a bar-code reader, and/or a wireless control element to read a programmable token such as a smart card. Delivery personnel can enter access request information into the access element, and if it favorably compares with the access privilege information, the control unit unlocks the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Steve H. Dohrmann, Darren H. Yee, Peter A. Nee, James E. Dishman, Seshadri Sathyanarayan
  • Patent number: 6963794
    Abstract: A system for automatic access or driving authorization for a motor vehicle includes a first device in the form of a control device having at least two states for engaging and disengaging vehicle door locks, an immobilizer, or the like. An associated second device is provided in the form of an electronic key, an ID transmitter, a chip card or the like. Both devices have means for transmitting or receiving signals, including a coded operating signal for authenticating the second device, so that a change in the state of the first device can be implemented when the second device is authorized. Before the second device is first activated, it is in a sleep state in which operation-independent function is not permitted and energy consumption is reduced. During a first operator-dependent authentication, the second device is changed over from the sleep state into a standby state in which an operation-independent function is at least partially made possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Michael Geber, Uwe Hipp, Johannes Mattes, Karl Mueller, Andreas Pohlmann, Matthias Reinhardt, Markus Ruther, Dietmar Weisser
  • Patent number: 6960991
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronically tested high-security coder/decoder device, comprising a key (1) consisting of a mechanically produced code, a body with integrated interpretation and actuation unit (2) and an electronic processing device (3) connected thereto. The key (1) has at least one pressure generator and pressure sensor unit (12) with code producing pressure elements (121, 122, 12n) and with one pressure transmitting part each. The interpretation and actuation unit (2) is provided with a unit (22) that converts pressure values known as such to electrical signals, an authorization unit (23) and an exe (24). The conversion unit (22) has an input (221) and an output (22). The output (22) is connected to the input (311) of the central processing unit (31). The central processing unit (31) and the interface (32) cooperate to give the electronic processing unit (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Danubia IP Innovacios Tanacsado Kft
    Inventors: Vilmos Orcifalvi, Otto Wallner
  • Patent number: 6958675
    Abstract: A vehicle remote controller that reduces the number of parts. The vehicle remote controller includes a portable device carried by a driver and a transceiver (11) arranged in the vehicle to output a request signal for intercommunicating with the portable device and to output a transponder driving radio wave. The transceiver outputs the request signal to either a first area, which is in a vehicle passenger compartment, or an area outside the vehicle, and has a common antenna (14) for outputting the transponder driving radio wave to a second area, which is in the vehicle passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Toru Maeda, Hirofumi Okada, Toshihiro Nagae, Yoshihito Mizuno, Yutaka Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6952156
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling the operation of a vehicle is disclosed that includes a radio frequency transponder and a vehicle configured to respond to data stored in the transponder by preventing or disabling operation of the vehicle under certain conditions indicated by data stored in the transponder. A communications controller receives the data from the transponder, then monitors the operation of the vehicle to make sure it is operated within the limits that are stored in the transponder. By communicating with other controllers on the vehicle that are in charge of other subsystems, it receives information relating to whether the operational limits of the vehicle have been approached or exceeded, and takes appropriate action in that event, the action may include not enabling the vehicle initially, or disabling the vehicle, or causing an operator display to indicate which limit has been exceeded or approached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad J. Arshad, Alan D. Berger, Peter J. Dix
  • Patent number: 6942144
    Abstract: A system for providing remote control access to internal components of a device. The system comprises a housing comprising a cover and a base, at least one device being located within the housing and at least one latching mechanism internal to the housing adapted to secure the cover to the base. A control sender is adapted to communicate with the device and the at least one latching mechanism to command the latching mechanism to unsecure the housing in order to allow access to the internal components of the device when a users identity is verified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Neopost Industrie SA
    Inventor: George Brookner
  • Patent number: 6940390
    Abstract: A key system using an ID card which can output ID data is combined with a mechanical ignition key. The key system is provided with a transceiver for receiving data from the ID card, a flash memory for storing the ID data and a CPU. When the stored ID data in the flash memory coincides with the ID card data obtained by the transceiver an operation is performed with the ignition key, the CPU enables the operation of an engine start. Furthermore, if the present protection time has elapsed since the CPU recognizes the coincidence of the stored and ID card data, the operation by the ignition key is nullified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Toshiharu Emmei
  • Patent number: 6930588
    Abstract: A key opening apparatus includes an antenna which receives a first signal of slower transmission speed and a second signal of higher transmission speed, a receiving section, a filter, a comparator, and a decoder, and another set of filter, comparator and decoder. The receiving section receives and processes the first and second signals in common, and the two decoders process the signals using one microprocessor before outputting the result to an output terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Sueoka, Tsutomu Sakai
  • Patent number: 6920379
    Abstract: In a vehicle-onboard dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) apparatus for the DSRC communication system, a command judgment unit of an electronic toll communication-security application module (ETC-SAM) judges the type of command included in a communication signal transmitted between a HOST and an IC card with user information held therein. A command control unit of the ETC-SAM controls whether the command is to be analyzed, according to a result of judgment by the command judgment unit. Therefore, it is possible to simplify a communication procedure and reduce a communication time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Renesas Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Taiyu Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 6906635
    Abstract: Telecommunication systems, which includes a controller (gateway/server), devices (TV, VCR, refrigerator, security system) and a remote control unit for remotely controlling the devices via the controller, is made more flexible and more user-friendly by allowing an interface like a user-interface and/or device-interface to be downloaded into the remote control unit, in response to a trigger-signal comprising a user-identification and/or a device-identification generated due to a user operating the remote control unit or generated due to an interface-amendment reported to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Tony Moutaux, Frederic Pennerath, Laurent Redouloux
  • Patent number: 6895316
    Abstract: A customerized driving environment setting system in which a portable memory card having multiple setting data stored therein is insertable into a card reader/writer on a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle wireless download device is controlled to download updated data from a remote customs service center wirelessly for updating the setting data of the portable memory card. Accessing of the card reader/writer to the portable memory card enables the user to set the accessories of the motor vehicle subject to the setting data of the portable memory card quickly, and to update the setting data of the portable memory card wirelessly. The user can carry the portable memory card to the repair shop, information station, and home computer to update the setting data anytime and anywhere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Sin Etke Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Rong Chen, Chun-Chung Lee, Cheng-Hung Huang
  • Patent number: 6888445
    Abstract: A vehicle identification system. The system includes an electronic access card for storing information associated with a user of the electronic access card, a card reader for receiving the electronic access card and for reading the associated information and a display for receiving at least a portion of the associated information from the card reader and for displaying the portion of associated information when the user operates a vehicle. The display is located on the vehicle, and the displayed information includes at least a unique identifier assigned to the user of the electronic access card. In one arrangement, the unique identifier assigned to the user of the electronic access card can be transferrable to other vehicles such that the identifier can be displayed on any vehicle having the card reader and the display when the user operates such vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventors: Bradley L. Gotfried, Benjamin Gotfried
  • Patent number: 6885290
    Abstract: Two embodiments of very simple by highly effective antitheft devices for use in small vehicles such as motor scooters, personal watercraft or other forms of watercraft. Each system employs a removable component which also functions as a display and which disables the operation of the prime mover of the vehicle. The removed component can be carried by the user and reinserted when he desires to again operate the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Moric
    Inventor: Mitsuru Tsuji
  • Patent number: 6885282
    Abstract: A system for monitoring conditions within a tire (12) including a sensor assembly (14) including a pressure sensor (36), an accelerometer (34), a temperature sensor (32), and a transmitter (40) to transmit signals indicative of current tire conditions. A remote transmitter (22) for actuating a remote keyless entry system (19) emits a signal to actuate a function of the keyless entry system (19) such as unlocking doors (20) of the motor vehicle (10). A receiver assembly (16) includes an amplitude shift keyed receiver (52) and a frequency shift keyed receiver (58) selectively engagable to receive radio frequency transmissions from the tire monitoring system or the remote keyless entry system (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Tejas B. Desai, Jean-Christophe Deniau, Melvin Leblanc, Steve O'Connor, Kurt Van Drus, Patricia Abi-Nader
  • Patent number: 6885284
    Abstract: An identification apparatus comprises an array of conductive pins fixed onto a base component placed onto a primary device and in communication therewith. A set of shaped identifiers has a plurality of holes through which respective pins on the array of fixed pins pass. Each identifier is uniquely configured with at least one distinct location containing a conductive sleeve fitted therein which allows the passage therethrough of that particular pin for further use by subsequently placed identifiers. Each pin is in individual communication with the primary device such that the primary device can thereafter identify the placed identifiers so as to subsequently perform certain functions or other desired operations based on the type, configuration, and/or number of identifiers placed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Debora Margaret Hejza Litwiller, Philip E. Blair
  • Patent number: 6885283
    Abstract: A receiver assembly (16) includes an amplitude shift keyed mode (52) and a frequency shift keyed mode (58) selectively engagable to receive radio frequency transmissions from the tire monitoring system (26) and a remote keyless entry system (20) and switches between modes in response to receipt of a wake up pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Steve O'Connor, Tejas B. Desai, Allan Losey
  • Patent number: 6879242
    Abstract: A colored based lock and key, wherein the key includes a color indication incorporated thereon, and the lock includes a color sensor for identifying the color indication, so as to open the lock. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the key includes a blank or blanks on which at least one, and preferably a plurality of colors are incorporated. The blank or blanks can be formed of metal, plastic, or any other material on which colors or color emitting or color reflecting materials can be incorporated by various methods. According to other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the lock includes at least one color sensor arranged to sense the color incorporated on the key or on a predefined sequence of keys, when the key or keys are inserted in the lock, or put across the lock or rotated in the lock, and further includes a decision mechanism activated by an electric signal generated upon identification of the color incorporated on the key, to permit opening of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Israel Alon
  • Patent number: 6876293
    Abstract: An electronic door security system employs an input console having three readers for enhanced security. A microprocessor processes inputs applied at each of the readers to selectively permit access through a secured door. Application of an input to any of the readers transforms the controller from a sleep mode to an active mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Harrow Products, LLC
    Inventors: George Frolov, Gary E. Lavelle, Leon Boiucaner, Michael Cote, Dominic Pesapane
  • Patent number: 6872121
    Abstract: An electrical hand tool device (2) comprises a control electronics (8) and a transmitter and receiver (10) which is responsive in a wireless and contact-free fashion, and with a storage medium (12) in which an authorization code is stored, wherein an operation locking state and an operation release state can be differentiated, and with an external transmitter and receiver means (16) which is accommodated in a separate portable device (4), wherein communication with the transmitter and receiver means (10) of the electrical hand tool device can be produced in a defined fashion through actuation of the external transmitter and receiver means (16) to change the operation state, and communication is provided only to change the operation state and optionally to change the authorization code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Metabowerke GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Wiesner, Stefan Schwarz, Reinhard Plietsch, Marco Gaertner, Patrick Neika
  • Patent number: 6867684
    Abstract: According to the inventive method for operating a vehicle, the authorization to access the vehicle is given in a dialogue between a control device which is fixed in the vehicle and an authorization verification device which is carried by the user. Said authorization verification device is also used to enable the vehicle drive unit to start. According to the invention, the authorization verification device is interrogated for the purpose of starting the vehicle drive unit independently of the process for establishing access authorization. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the inventive method. The memory of said device is part of an activating unit for the vehicle drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Koblbauer
  • Patent number: 6861944
    Abstract: An authorization control system controlling who may use a device, includes a device for storing personal code data, a signal provider for outputting signals representing the personal code data, a signal delivery interface for receiving signals representing the personal code data, and adapted for wear by a user in proximity to a body of the user, a signal receive interface means, connected to the device, for receiving the signal from the signal delivery interface, a signal processing device, connected to the signal receive delivery interface, for determining a user's authorization for using the device by evaluating the signals and outputting a signal indicative of an evaluation result, a control device connected to the signal processing device, and an actuator for the device coupled to the control device, for allowing the user to use the device based on an output of the control device. Thus, the system allows a person to use the device only after the person has completed a successful authorization check.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Jakob Hoepelman
  • Patent number: 6850154
    Abstract: A code signal generator (3) of a system for protecting against theft remains in the motor vehicle while it is not operating, this code signal generator (3) is disabled as soon as a door of the motor vehicle is opened and closed again and/or a security device (8, 9) is locked with another authorized code signal generator (3). The disabled code signal generator (3) is enabled again only if, after the opening of a door or after the unlocking of a locking device (8, 9), another code signal generator (3) in the vicinity outside the vehicle is recognized as authorized and a request signal which is triggered manually by the user for enabling the disabled code signal generator (3) is received by the control unit (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ulrich Emmerling
  • Patent number: 6838976
    Abstract: A keyless access control device and method for a vehicle having a door and a door handle includes transmitting a code from a transceiver while a cover covers the door handle to prevent a user from actuating the door handle. A transponder of the user transmits an answer to the transceiver upon receipt of the code. The answer is checked to conduct a preliminary verification of whether the user is authorized to access the vehicle. The cover uncovers the door handle if the preliminary verification indicates that the user is authorized to access the vehicle. A bidirectional question and answer dialog takes place between the transceiver and the transponder to conduct a final verification of whether the user is authorized to access the vehicle upon the user actuating the door handle. The door is unlocked if the final verification is indicative of the user having access to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Anton Mindl, Detlef Kerkmann
  • Publication number: 20040239479
    Abstract: Electronically tested high-security coding and decoding device The invention relates to an electronically tested high-security coder/decoder device, comprising a key (1) consisting of a mechanically produced code, a body with integrated interpretation and actuation unit (2) and an electronic processing device (3) connected thereto. The key (1) has at least one pressure generator and pressure sensor unit (12) with code producing pressure elements (121, 122, 12n) and with one pressure transmitting part each. The interpretation and actuation unit (2) is provided with a unit (22) that converts pressure values known as such to electrical signals, an authorization unit (23) and an exe (24). The conversion unit (22) has an input (221) and an output (22). The output (22) is connected to the input (311) of the central processing unit (31). The central processing unit (31) and the interface (32) cooperate to give the electronic processing unit (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Vilmos Orcifalvi, Otto Wallner
  • Patent number: 6819218
    Abstract: A maintenance/inspection support apparatus including an inspection information storage section storing inspection information of a plurality of equipments serving as maintenance/inspection targets, an inspection information write section for writing, in a noncontact manner, the inspection information stored in the inspection information storage section on a plurality of information recording media corresponding to the plurality of equipments, an inspection information read section for reading, in a noncontact manner, the inspection information written on the information recording media by the inspection information write section, and a display section for displaying the inspection information read by the inspection information read section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toshiaki Mabuchi, Hirokazu Hirayama, Kyo Takagi, Naoko Noto, Ryo Yoshitake, Yasuhiro Takemoto, Masayuki Kobayashi, Yoshiyuki Tsuchida
  • Patent number: 6816081
    Abstract: A transmitter 16, receiver 20 and control circuit 10are provided on a mobile unit, and a response circuit 26, 28, 30 and a control circuit 32, 34, 30 are provided on a portable unit. Priorities are assigned to the transmission of a recognition signal by the response circuit and the transmission of a recognition signal by the operation circuit, and by so doing the transmission from the operation circuit is given priority and performed first if both transmissions are requested simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Okada, Misako Sugiura
  • Patent number: 6812823
    Abstract: A vehicle door lock system has a lock mechanism for locking or unlocking the vehicle door. A control mechanism for controlling an operation of the lock mechanism includes first and second resonators. The first resonator resonates at a predetermined first value Q for transmitting a first signal to the outside of the vehicle. The second resonator is connected in series with the first resonator and resonates at a second value Q which is greater than the first value Q, and changing a resonant condition in accordance with a change of a capacitance. A single actuator is provided for actuating the first and second resonators. A switching mechanism is provided which utilizes the actuator for alternatively switching actuation between the first and the second resonators. The control mechanism controls the switching operation of the switching mechanism and the operation of the door lock mechanism in accordance with the resonant condition of the second resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hisashi Inaba, Yuichi Murakami, Kiyokazu Ieda, Eiji Mushiake
  • Publication number: 20040212478
    Abstract: A remote control activator for use with vehicles is provided. The remote control activator includes an information storage device, which permits a user to record a message for later dissemination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: John Kutsuzawa, Kasey Kutsuzawa
  • Patent number: 6809628
    Abstract: A device containing a personalizable substrate associated to a reader allowing the conditional operation of an electric or electronic appliance after comparison of the data with a memory by an identification and comparison circuit located on an essential part of said appliance and methods of using the device under conditional operation of electric or electronic appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventors: Aaron Bensimon, Armand Berneman, David Bensimon, Danielle Berneman
  • Patent number: 6791450
    Abstract: A system of locker compartments at various locations is controlled by a central system processor. A communication system from the central processor to all locations, and all lockers within a location, enables central control of rewritable locker access codes, reservation of appropriate lockers for delivery of orders, and monitoring of status of all lockers in the system. The assignment of lockers and codes can be web-based, and can be done by a vendor, a delivery company or an online customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Security People, Inc.
    Inventors: Asil T. Gokcebay, Yucel K. Keskin